Ryuchi Kakeruzaki, Untitled (Sake bottle), Undated

Ceramic
13 x 9 x 9 cm
Condition: Very good

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Ryuichi Kakurezaki (Japanese, b. 1950) is a leading figure in contemporary Japanese ceramics, renowned for his innovative reinterpretation of traditional Bizen ware. Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kakurezaki studied at the Osaka University of Arts before establishing his practice in Bizen, one of Japan’s oldest and most esteemed pottery regions.

While deeply rooted in the centuries-old techniques of Bizen pottery, Kakurezaki approaches the medium with a distinctly modern sensibility. His work is characterised by sharp, sculptural forms and asymmetrical silhouettes, often pushing the physical limits of clay to create dynamic, architectural pieces. Firing without glaze, he relies on the unpredictable alchemy of flame, ash, and earth to impart rich surface textures and tonal variation, allowing natural processes to play an integral role in each work’s final expression.

Kakurezaki's philosophy centres on the balance between tradition and innovation. By honouring the material's raw potential and embracing irregularity, he challenges preconceived notions of function and beauty within Japanese ceramics. Today, his works are widely exhibited and collected, both in Japan and internationally, marking him as a pivotal voice in the evolution of contemporary Bizen ware

(Photographed in January 2025)