Kiyoshi Yamato, Blue Hagi (Aohagi) Sake Cup with Original Tomobako

A collectable example of Japanese Hagi-yaki pottery by Kiyoshi Yamato (大和潔), the established ceramic artist and founder of Meizen Kiln.

This Blue Hagi (Aohagi) stoneware sake cup features a luminous turquoise-blue glaze surrounding a softly spiralling grey interior. Its shallow, flared form and areas of exposed earthy clay reflect the distinctive character of the Hagi pottery tradition.

The cup is accompanied by its original inscribed wooden tomobako. Such boxes are an important feature of Japanese studio ceramics, providing valuable evidence of maker and origin and adding to their interest for collectors.

With its recognised maker, distinctive glaze and accompanying presentation box, this is a collectable work of contemporary Japanese ceramics as well as a functional sake vessel.