Mitsuru Yoshida

Mitsuru Yoshida of the Kinzan Kiln is a Living National Treasure designated for his mastery of "yuri-kinsai" — the underglaze gold leaf technique, in which cut gold leaf is sealed beneath a translucent glaze so that it glows softly from within the porcelain.

Against luminous grounds of pale celadon green, his gold motifs achieve a serenity and refinement that place Kutani ware among the most elegant expressions of Japanese porcelain today.

wanova presents selected works by Mitsuru Yoshida, 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 Mitsuru Yoshida

Born in Komatsu, Ishikawa / Third master of the Kinzan Kiln / Living National Treasure (yuri-kinsai, underglaze gold leaf) / Works held in major Japanese public collections

Top-down angled view looking inside the clean white porcelain interior of the GUINOMI, showing the blue rim accent line and gold exterior.

Why This Artist Matters

Gold on porcelain usually shouts. Yoshida made it whisper. By sealing cut gold leaf beneath translucent glaze, he created a luminosity that comes from within — refined, durable, and unlike anything else in Japanese ceramics

What to Look For

Look at how the gold sits below the surface, softened by the glaze, and how leaves of different thickness create two or three tones of gold. The celadon ground should be even and calm, without pinholes.

The green and gold Kutani GUINOMI presented beside its original signed paulownia wooden box tied with a green fabric ribbon.

HOW TO LIVE WITH THE WORK

The gold is protected — this is porcelain to use, not just display. Serve sake at a celebration; the gold answers candlelight beautifully. Wash by hand, dry with a soft cloth.

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