Trio of white kōhiki ceramic vases by Yukiko Takemoto

This trio of vases by Yukiko Takemoto is distinguished by the softness of its organic forms and the delicacy of its shades. Each has its own personality, linked to its size, the roundness of its profile, and the subtle variations in its color. Together, they form a harmonious composition, imbued with calm and naturalness. Their whitened surfaces, crossed by fine cracks and punctuated by traces left by fire, evoke the silent beauty of the passage of time. The indicated price includes all three vases together.

The ceramist
Yukiko Takemoto was born in Osaka. A graduate of the Ceramics Department at Kyoto University of Art, she continued her training at the Kyoto Advanced Technical School of Ceramics. After establishing her own studio in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 2006, she moved to Uenohara, Yamanashi Prefecture, in 2020. Her work is regularly exhibited in Japanese galleries, particularly in Tokyo and Kyoto, where it is appreciated for its sensitivity and the subtlety of its glazes.
Her pieces are characterized by an intuitive approach to materials, a taste for natural textures, and a keen sense of visual balance. She primarily creates vases and tableware, using a light and calming palette.

The technique and the decor
The vases are made using the kōhiki technique (white coating applied to dark clay). Yukiko Takemoto shapes each piece on the wheel, then covers the surface with a white slip before applying a transparent glaze. The high-temperature firing reveals a network of kan'nyū (fine cracks) and exposes the underlying clay in places. Brown traces appear on the surface, reflecting variations in the firing and the natural composition of the glaze. These random, vibrant marks contribute to the uniqueness of each vase and reflect the aesthetic of wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection).

Practical information
Place of manufacture
Japan (Yamanashi Prefecture)

Dimensions
Vase 1: Diameter 9cm - Height 10cm
Vase 2: Diameter 6.5cm - Height 8.4cm
Vase 3: Diameter 6.5cm - Height 7cm

Total weight
658

Materials
White slip stoneware (kōhiki)

Period
Contemporary

Care instructions
Rinse briefly with clean water before first use. After use, empty the vase completely and allow it to air dry to avoid any stagnant moisture inside. Wipe gently with a soft cloth if necessary. Over time, the shades and cracks may change slightly, a natural sign of the ceramic's life.