Vintage item, never used.
This distinguished Seto-yaki (瀬戸焼) chawan was crafted by Yoshiki Sugiura (杉浦芳樹, 1915–1982) of Togetsu Kiln (兎月窯) in Seto, Aichi Prefecture. Combining refined technique with literary symbolism, the bowl reflects the elegance of postwar Japanese ceramic artistry and the enduring spirit of the tea ceremony.
Executed in the celebrated Yuzuguro (柚黒) style, the bowl is coated in a deep black glaze whose finely textured surface resembles the skin of a yuzu citrus fruit. Tiny irregularities catch the light softly, lending the vessel a quiet depth and sophistication. The contrast between the velvety black body and the white foot creates a balanced composition that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
The exterior is decorated with a striking bridge motif, rendered in flowing white brushwork. This design belongs to a series of "Godai" (御題) tea bowls, created in response to the annual theme announced for the Utakai Hajime (歌会始), the Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace. The bridge, a timeless symbol in Japanese aesthetics, evokes connection, passage, and the meeting of worlds—between seasons, between people, and between the everyday and the spiritual.
Born in Takahama City, Aichi Prefecture, Yoshiki Sugiura established his practice at Togetsu Kiln in Seto. He trained under several renowned ceramic masters, including Kitaōji Rosanjin, Ōe Bunzō, and Kawamura Kitarō, absorbing a wide range of artistic influences while developing his own refined voice. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including recognition at the prestigious Bunten and Nitten exhibitions, as well as the Seto City Mayor's Award. Today, the legacy of Togetsu Kiln continues through his son and successor, Fumiyasu Sugiura, who inherited both the techniques and spirit of the family workshop.
Size: 11 x 11 x 8cm
