Ki-Seto Tokkuri Sake Flask by Kagami Shukai
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This particular Yellow Seto Sake Flask is having all of the bells and whistles a collector would want from a work by Kagami Shukai. His unique Aburage-de (deep-fried tofu) Yellow color, the Koge brown and copper-green,comes together to paint a portrait of a perfect Shukai piece. From a private collection comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled ki-seto Tokkuri. This is a quintessential work by this important artist whose work will remain influential long past the coming generations.
Size, D 8.7 cm H 12.1 cm
Condition, Excellent
Kagami Shukai (1941-2009) was born in Mino , graduated the Gifu ceramic school learning basic techniques, design, and later was taken under the wing of famous potter Kato Kobei for a few years. In 1969 he established his own kiln in Seto designed specifically for firing Shino and Yellow Seto (Ki-Seto) ceramics. Among the four well known ancient glazes (Shino, Oribe, Yellow Seto, Black Seto), Yellow Seto is the hardest to master. There are several salient features to look for in a good Yellow Seto bowl. Abura-age-de (deep-fried tofu) refers to a thickly applied matte yellow glaze with a crinkled or semi-rough texture. This style was revered by tea masters and collectors in the Momoyama era. Tanban is the term for green copper splashes on the yellow surface. These splashes should appear natural. Koge to brown scorch marks that lend distinct characters to individual pots. Many potters, including master Kato Tokuro,have tried to reproduce the Abura-age-de surface. However, no one has been able to reproduce this finish consistently until Shukai Kagami re-established the technique after experimentation for more than twenty years. According to Kagami, the key to a good Yellow Seto finish is in the firing, and firing with proper firewood is paramount. Ash directly affects the beauty of Yellow Seto. Kagami pieces have been highly sought and collected domestically and abroad. His low output and unique quality make his work a must have for collectors.
This particular Yellow Seto Sake Flask is having all of the bells and whistles a collector would want from a work by Kagami Shukai. His unique Aburage-de (deep-fried tofu) Yellow color, the Koge brown and copper-green,comes together to paint a portrait of a perfect Shukai piece. From a private collection comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled ki-seto Tokkuri. This is a quintessential work by this important artist whose work will remain influential long past the coming generations.
Size, D 8.7 cm H 12.1 cm
Condition, Excellent
Kagami Shukai (1941-2009) was born in Mino , graduated the Gifu ceramic school learning basic techniques, design, and later was taken under the wing of famous potter Kato Kobei for a few years. In 1969 he established his own kiln in Seto designed specifically for firing Shino and Yellow Seto (Ki-Seto) ceramics. Among the four well known ancient glazes (Shino, Oribe, Yellow Seto, Black Seto), Yellow Seto is the hardest to master. There are several salient features to look for in a good Yellow Seto bowl. Abura-age-de (deep-fried tofu) refers to a thickly applied matte yellow glaze with a crinkled or semi-rough texture. This style was revered by tea masters and collectors in the Momoyama era. Tanban is the term for green copper splashes on the yellow surface. These splashes should appear natural. Koge to brown scorch marks that lend distinct characters to individual pots. Many potters, including master Kato Tokuro,have tried to reproduce the Abura-age-de surface. However, no one has been able to reproduce this finish consistently until Shukai Kagami re-established the technique after experimentation for more than twenty years. According to Kagami, the key to a good Yellow Seto finish is in the firing, and firing with proper firewood is paramount. Ash directly affects the beauty of Yellow Seto. Kagami pieces have been highly sought and collected domestically and abroad. His low output and unique quality make his work a must have for collectors.
