Yunomi Yunomi Made of Oribe Ware by Kawachi Hidetoshi with Appliqués

This yunomi by Kawachi Hidetoshi captures the powerful yet poetic side of contemporary Oribe ware from Seto. Born in 1960, the artist has earned a firm place in the Japanese ceramics scene through his original interpretation of traditional techniques. After training under Kato Shuntei and Shimada Koichi, he developed a distinctive style that deliberately contrasts the calm, classical aesthetic of Oribe ware with dynamic movement. He experiments with glazes that, through the deliberate use of feldspar-containing Shino elements, produce unexpected pink and white tones – an effect that arose from a fortunate accident and has since become his signature.

The vessel takes the form of a tall, cylindrical shape with a strikingly relief-textured surface reminiscent of a tree-like structure. Deep green glaze runs flow like moss or leaves over the rough, hand-formed texture and are interrupted by delicate pink and white drip marks that shimmer in soft contrasts. These vivid color gradations and the irregular, almost organic cracks in the glaze lend the piece a natural, almost landscape-like depth. Depending on the light and viewing angle, new nuances unfold, turning the act of viewing into a small adventure.

As a handcrafted unique work by an established master, this yunomi is delivered in a signed wooden box, underscoring its esteem among connoisseurs. It is ideally suited for the daily enjoyment of tea, where the tactile quality and visual presence enrich the ritual. The combination of earthy roughness and subtle color poetry makes it an object that becomes more personal over time and builds a bridge between old tradition and modern expressiveness.