Koinuma Michio

Mashiko artist strong architectural feel BURNING CENSER koro BOX

Work by Legendary artist Koinuma Michio calls to mind the best Ancient works from oldest times, with its rough, dark surface and its strong architectural feel.

(1936- ) Censer, Koro, Neolithic, Stoneware

Signed KOI 肥 at the back

Signed Wooden Box

Stoneware, mottled brown dry body with carved designs to the surface, the exagonal form built up with alternating protruded segments, impressed maker's mark. Together with a signed wooden Box. unique for his Style. He implements the tatara method, using flattened plates of clay, to create his characteristic strong shapes. In 2001 Koinuma was named one the top 100 potters in Japan in a past issue of Japan's leading ceramic magazine Honoho Geijutsu.

CONDITION: Perfect condition with no damage or restoration

Conveying great power master Koinuma crafted by hand-built vessel with great presence and integrity.

Using a high fire in the kiln, random salt deposits create a concrete-like surface, adding to the sense of weight and history of this piece. This great work recalls ancient Japanese ceramics going back to medieval Sue wares.

Koinuma was born in Tokyo, where he studied politics and economics. He moved to Mashiko at the age of 33 and, like many artists inspired by Hamada Shoji, set up his own kiln in this small artists' town. His works are characterized by concrete-like clay, often covered with a sense of touch reminiscent of excavated pottery fired in an ancient kiln. Koinuma lives and works in Mashiko today, creating disciplined, controlled forms and works with a strong geometric feel.

BIOGRAPHY

1936 Born in Ome, Tokyo

Graduated from Osaka University

Studied with Masnao Narii

1970 Built his own kiln

1974 Prize winner from Northern Kanto Art Exhibition

1981 Prize winner from Japan-Taiwan Ceramic Competition

1991 Winner of Tochigi Maroie Cultural Prize