Ceramic vase “Neji no sakuhin” (screw work) by Kazuhiko Sato

This piece by Kazuhiko Sato belongs to the Neji no sakuhin (Screw Works) series, a group of works highly characteristic of his oeuvre. The vase has a compact, vertical form, its silhouette evoking a slightly domed cylindrical mass, interrupted by a narrow opening that pierces the upper part. Two lateral elements, treated as protruding screws, break the continuity of the surface and introduce an almost mechanical dimension to the composition. Depending on the angle of observation, the piece oscillates between vase and sculptural object. The surface has a raw, granular texture dominated by rust-brown tones punctuated by bluish-gray areas, evoking a mineral material patinated by time.

The ceramist
Kazuhiko Sato, born in 1947 in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, graduated from the ceramics department of Tokyo University of the Arts, one of Japan's most prestigious art institutions. He studied under Michi Kajimoto and Koichi Tamura, two ceramicists recognized as Living National Treasures.

His work has been featured in major international exhibitions and galleries, notably in London, New York, and Sydney, with numerous solo exhibitions. He has received several awards recognizing the excellence and originality of his work.

Decor and techniques

This piece is made from a mixture of clays from Shigaraki and Seto, enriched with quartz inclusions. Kazuhiko Sato shapes the form entirely by hand using a particularly complex personal technique that allows him to obtain these compact and highly structured volumes.

The material, thus worked, gives the surface its characteristic raw and sandy appearance. The two lateral elements, designed like neji (screws), are integrated into the very structure of the piece and contribute to the visual tension of the volume. The vertical opening, deeply incised in the upper part, transforms the sculptural object into a vase while reinforcing the expressiveness of the form.

The firing process reveals a palette of rust and anthracite brown tones punctuated by bluish-grey traces and silvery metallic markings. These surface effects, combined with the mineral texture of the clay, give the piece a very contemporary presence while retaining a timeless character deeply rooted in Japanese ceramics.

Presentation

The piece is signed by the ceramist on its base with the inscription "SATOH," Kazuhiko Sato's usual signature, as well as the number "15," corresponding to the year of manufacture, 2015, and the artist's coat of arms. It comes with its wooden protective box (tomobako) signed with the title of the work, a protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal, and an information sheet (shiori) detailing the ceramist's profile.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan

Dimensions
Height 19 cm – Width 11 cm – Depth 9 cm

Weight
1.4kg

Materials
Ceramic

Period
2015

Condition
Very good condition