9.5㎝x8cm
 
Few contemporary Japanese ceramicists command the reverence accorded to Saeki Morimi, whose revolutionary neriage (layered clay) technique transformed traditional pottery into sculptural art. This intimate tea cup, complete with its original signed box, represents decades of technical innovation and artistic vision from one of Japan's most celebrated modern masters.
Saeki Morimi's career spans the golden age of post-war Japanese ceramics, when traditional techniques were being reimagined for contemporary expression. His neriage inlay method involves layering different coloured clays to create intricate patterns that emerge during the forming process - a technique requiring extraordinary skill and timing. Each piece becomes unique as the clay layers interact unpredictably during firing, making this tea cup a one-of-a-kind artwork rather than merely functional pottery.
The cup's modest scale belies its artistic sophistication. The subtle inlay patterns create visual texture that changes as one handles the piece, revealing new details with each viewing angle. In European hands, this becomes more than a tea cup - it's a daily meditation on Japanese aesthetic principles, where the act of drinking tea becomes a mindful encounter with ceramic artistry.
Condition is exceptional, with no chips, cracks, or restoration evident. The original tomobako (artist's box) with calligraphic inscription adds significant value and confirms authenticity - these signed boxes are considered essential documentation for serious collectors of contemporary Japanese ceramics.
Works by Saeki Morimi are represented in major international ceramic collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. As his reputation continues to grow posthumously, early pieces like this tea cup represent not just artistic achievement but sound collecting wisdom.