A large ceramic vase by Michio Koinuma, a self-taught ceramic artist of Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, made in 1989. Its form draws on ancient earthenware and clay figurines (dogu) as its motif, rendered in the artist's bold, abstract, object-like style, and it was exhibited as "Vase" in his 1989 solo exhibition.
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Artist / Maker: Michio Koinuma
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Subject / Motif: Ancient earthenware and clay figurines (dogu)
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Material: Mashiko ware ceramic
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Dimensions: Height approx. 52 cm, width approx. 30.5 cm x 36 cm
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Signature / Seal / Box: Signed wooden box (tomobako)
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Included: Original signed wooden box (tomobako); a reference exhibition postcard is shown in the 16th photo
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Condition: No prominent scratches or stains. Kiln flaws characteristic of the artist's style are present, and part of the work has been restored. Not recommended for those unfamiliar with such work. Please refer to the photos for the item's current appearance and condition.
Michio Koinuma (1936-2020) was a Japanese ceramic artist born in Ome, Tokyo. Inspired by an archaeological dig experience in childhood, he left university to pursue ceramics and admired the potter Shoji Kamoda. In 1969-1970 he established his own kiln, 'Ichimoku-gama,' in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, becoming self-taught in his craft. His work is characterized by bold, abstract, object-like forms evoking ancient earthenware, clay figurines, and ancient bronze vessels, often with a dark, weathered, bronze-like surface.
He won an excellence award at the Kita-Kanto Art Exhibition and held numerous solo exhibitions, gaining recognition as an idiosyncratic and highly original figure within the Mashiko ceramics scene. A retrospective exhibition, 'Koinuma Michio and His Era,' was held at the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art in 2022.
