3cm highx6cm width

– Guinomi sake cup by third-generation Yasokichi Tokuda, designated Living National Treasure in 1997 – Deep tenmoku-like black glaze with dramatic amber and ochre crystalline band at rim – Signature yohen (kiln transformation) effect showcasing Tokuda's revolutionary Kutani glaze techniques
Summary: This is a guinomi (sake cup) by Yasokichi Tokuda III (三代徳田八十吉, 1933–2009), a ceramic artist designated as a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) in 1997 for his innovations in Kutani-yaki overglaze enamel techniques. The piece features a classic guinomi form with gently sloping walls rising from a stable foot ring. The body is enveloped in a lustrous, deep black glaze reminiscent of tenmoku wares, while the rim is adorned with a striking band of amber, yellow, and ochre crystalline effects – a signature characteristic of Tokuda's yohen (窯変, "kiln transformation") glazes. This dramatic colour interaction creates a sense of natural drama, as if molten metal or volcanic minerals have flowed across the surface. The piece exemplifies Tokuda's mastery of high-fire stoneware techniques and his ability to coax unexpected beauty from the kiln's unpredictable alchemy. This guinomi appeals to serious collectors of Japanese ceramics, sake connoisseurs, and those drawn to the intersection of tradition and avant-garde artistry.
Yasokichi Tokuda III was born into a distinguished Kutani-yaki family in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture. His grandfather (first-generation Yasokichi) and father (second-generation Yasokichi) were both accomplished Kutani artists, and the young Yasokichi inherited their dedication to the craft. However, the third generation chose a revolutionary path. While traditional Kutani-yaki is celebrated for its vibrant overglaze enamels in greens, yellows, purples, and reds applied over white porcelain, Tokuda III developed a new vocabulary of colour – deep, atmospheric glazes featuring blues, purples, greens, and the dramatic yohen effects seen in this guinomi. His technique involved layering multiple glaze applications and carefully controlling kiln atmosphere and temperature to produce colours and surface effects never before seen in Kutani ware.
In 1997, Tokuda was designated a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō), Japan's highest honour for artists and craftspeople, recognising his contribution to "Kutani overglaze enamel techniques" (Kutani iroe, 九谷色絵). His work is held in major museum collections worldwide, and pieces by Tokuda III are highly sought after by collectors. The yohen glaze technique – where glaze chemistry and kiln conditions produce unpredictable, often spectacular colour transformations – became Tokuda's signature. Each piece is unique, as the exact effects cannot be fully controlled or replicated, making every work a collaboration between artist and fire.
This guinomi presents a classical form with slightly flared walls that taper to a well-defined foot ring. The proportions are balanced and comfortable, designed to fit naturally in the hand – an important consideration for sake vessels, which are held, warmed, and savoured with ritual attention. The foot ring is cleanly finished, and the base bears Tokuda's impressed signature or seal, confirming authenticity. The interior is coated in the same deep black glaze as the exterior, creating a dramatic contrast with the pale liquid of sake when poured.
The glaze itself is a study in controlled complexity. The body is covered in a glossy, near-black glaze with subtle depth – variations in tone suggest layers beneath the surface, like deep water or polished stone. This glaze recalls traditional tenmoku wares, but Tokuda's formulation and firing technique give it a distinctly modern character. At the rim, the glaze transitions dramatically into a band of amber, golden yellow, and rich ochre tones, with a crystalline, almost metallic texture. This is the yohen effect – the result of specific glaze chemistry reacting with kiln atmosphere at peak temperature. The crystals form organically, creating patterns that resemble mineral deposits, molten gold, or autumn leaves caught in ice.
The transition between the dark body and the lighter rim is neither abrupt nor uniform – it flows and feathers, with fingers of colour reaching downward and patches of dark glaze interrupting the crystalline band. This organic, unpredictable quality is central to the piece's appeal. No two Tokuda yohen pieces are identical; each is a singular expression of material, technique, and chance. The surface is smooth and glossy to the touch, with a tactile richness that invites handling. When filled with sake, the dark interior provides a theatrical backdrop, while the golden rim catches candlelight or lamplight, creating a luminous halo effect.
In contemporary interiors, this guinomi functions as both functional vessel and art object. Displayed on a shelf, within a vitrine, or on a low table, the piece commands attention through its bold colour contrasts and lustrous surface. The black-and-gold palette harmonises with minimalist modern décor, traditional Japanese aesthetics, and eclectic spaces that value craft and materiality. Used in its intended role – serving sake – the guinomi becomes part of a ritual experience, where the act of pouring, holding, and sipping is elevated by the beauty of the vessel. The weight, balance, and lip profile are all carefully considered, ensuring comfort and pleasure in use.
For collectors, a piece by Yasokichi Tokuda III represents an important chapter in the history of Japanese ceramics. His work bridges tradition and innovation, honouring the centuries-old Kutani-yaki lineage while pushing the medium into entirely new territory. As a Living National Treasure, Tokuda's legacy is secure, and his works are recognised as cultural assets of national significance. This guinomi offers collectors the opportunity to own a piece by one of Japan's most celebrated ceramic artists, a work that embodies technical mastery, aesthetic vision, and the unpredictable beauty of fire-transformed materials.
Condition: The guinomi appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or structural damage. The glaze is intact, with the yohen effects fully realised. The foot ring and rim show no signs of damage. Please review the images carefully for condition details.
Provenance: This piece is attributed to third-generation Yasokichi Tokuda (1933–2009), designated Living National Treasure in 1997. Authentication can be confirmed through signature or seal on the base.