Tsujimura Yui (b. 1975) | Large stoneware bowl

Purchased from the artist

Born in 1975, Tsujimura Yui is the first son of the contemporary ceramic artist Tsujimura Shiro (b. 1947). In a similar manner to his father Yui regards himself as self-taught. Although he observed his father at work from a young age, he never apprenticed for him, setting up his own kiln after graduating from school. The techniques and aesthetics of early medieval Sue ware is perhaps the greatest influence on his work. Sueki [lit. Sue vessels] are unglazed stoneware fired above 1000°C. They often take the form of large storage jars or flasks and are decorated in the restrained palette of natural ash glazes of blue, green and grey. Yui is noted for his rapturous experimentation and sophisticated use of natural ash glaze.

Circular patterns often adorn Yui’s vessels. During the firing process, he uses the remains of utensils such as tea bowls to stack the fired vessels so that they do not conjoin in the intense heat. When cooled, the stacked vessels are then hammered away, leaving behind a circular impression, as well as deep pools of glaze which gather where they were placed.