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Unglazed flower vessel (yakishime kaki)

Yagi Kazuo Japanese

ca. 1958

Not on view

One of the leaders of postwar Japanese ceramic art, Yagi explored both sculptural forms and utilitarian works. The composition of this three-legged vessel not only reflects the artist’s avant-garde aesthetic but also recalls animal figures. Thrown on the wheel, it was hand-assembled and its upper surface pierced with openings for flowers. Yagi’s use of unglazed clay—a connection with the earth as elemental source—was inspired by the works of Isamu Noguchi.

Unglazed flower vessel (yakishime kaki), Yagi Kazuo (Japanese, 1918–1979), Unglazed stoneware, Japan — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Unglazed flower vessel (yakishime kaki), Yagi Kazuo (Japanese, 1918–1979), Unglazed stoneware, Japan

Unglazed flower vessel (yakishime kaki), Yagi Kazuo (Japanese, 1918–1979), Unglazed stoneware, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

八木一夫焼締花器

Title: Unglazed flower vessel (yakishime kaki)

Artist: Yagi Kazuo (Japanese, 1918–1979)

Period: Shōwa period (1926–89)

Date: ca. 1958

Culture: Japan

Medium: Unglazed stoneware

Dimensions: 6 3/4 × 9 1/2 × 5 in. (17.1 × 24.1 × 12.7 cm)

Classification: Ceramics

Credit Line: Gift of Halsey and Alice North, 2017

Accession Number: 2017.166.17

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