Tokuda Yasokichi III

Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933–2009), a Living National Treasure, devoted his life to the aesthetics of colored glazes in Kutani ware. His signature "yōsai" technique abandons pictorial motifs entirely, letting seamless gradations of saturated color — deep marine blues dissolving into misty pale skies — become the subject itself.

Precise, luminous, and startlingly modern, his vessels carry the Kutani tradition into pure abstraction.

wanova offers carefully sourced works by Tokuda Yasokichi III, with detailed condition photographs. Viewing at our Roppongi gallery, Tokyo (by appointment).

CHAWAN -Japanese Tea Bowl

GUINOMI -Japanese Sake Cup

Japanese Lacquerware & Urushi Art

KOGO -Japanese Incense Container

TOKKURI -Japanese Sake Bottle

HANAIRE -Japanese Flower Vase

KATAKUCHI -Japanese Spouted Pouring Bowl

MIZUSASHI -Japanese Water Pitcher

SAKAZUKI -Japanese Sake Cup

TSUBO - Japanese Ceramic Pot

YUNOMI - Japanese Tea Cup

Deep Dive to The Artist

Details of Tokuda Yasokichi III

1933 Born in Komatsu, Ishikawa / Third-generation heir of the Tokuda Yasokichi name / Living National Treasure (porcelain with colored glazes) / Creator of the "yōsai" gradation technique / 2009 Died

Inverted view of the GUINOMI, showcasing the precise craftsmanship of the unglazed foot against the dark glaze rim.

Why This Artist Matters

He took Kutani — a tradition defined by pictures — and removed the pictures. What remained was pure color, blended so seamlessly it reads as light itself. Few artists have moved an entire regional tradition into abstraction; Tokuda did it alone.

Front view of the Kutani GUINOMI by Tokuda Yasokichi III, showcasing the bold asymmetrical boundary where black and gold glazes meet.

What to Look For

Tilt the piece under light: the gradation should have no visible step, only flow. The deepest blue-violet at the base and the palest mist at the rim mark the finest firings. Interiors matter as much as exteriors.

HOW TO LIVE WITH THE WORK

A single piece on a plain surface is enough — the color is the décor. Pour clear sake and watch the blue deepen beneath it. Keep away from direct sun over long periods, as with any fine porcelain.

0 Products

Your bag is empty