KARATSU 

A remarkable chawan made by the one and only humble man grand master of Karatsu pottery: Nishioka Koju. This karatsu bowl, made in the kutsu-gata (shoe-shape) style, is a wonderful example of the level of talent of the artist, with a texture varying from smooth to cracked and earthy tones ranging from light to burnt.

Born in Setagaya, Tokyo, Tsuji Seimei (1927-2008) was interested in antiques under the influence of his father. It was his father's collection that inspired him to produce ceramics. After learning the basics of ceramics with a potter, he started his career as a ceramic artist as early as at the age of fourteen, putting up a sign saying "Tsuji...