Yunomi Yunomi Made of Oribe Ware by Kōchi Hidetoshi, White-Green

This yunomi by Kōchi Hidetoshi captures the powerful yet poetic side of contemporary Oribe ware from Seto. Born in 1960, the artist has secured 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 calm, classical Oribe aesthetics with dynamic movement. He experiments with glazes that, through the deliberate use of feldspar-containing Shino elements, produce unexpected rosy and white tones – an effect that arose from a fortunate accident and has since become his trademark.

The vessel presents itself as a tall, cylindrical form with a strikingly relief-textured surface reminiscent of a tree-like structure. Deep green glaze streams flow like moss or leaves across the rough, hand-formed texture and are interrupted by delicate pink and white drip traces that shimmer in soft contrasts. These lively color gradations and the irregular, almost organic cracks in the glaze lend the piece a natural, almost landscape-like depth. Depending on light and viewing angle, new nuances unfold, making the viewing 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 ever more personal over time and builds a bridge between old tradition and modern expressiveness.