Japanese Modern Mingei Ceramic Vase with Inlay by Takauchi Shugo

An unusual zogan stoneware vase by potter Takauchi Shugo (Japanese, b. 1937) circa 1980-90s. The vase strikes an unusual horizontal form with a barrel shape body supported by a short oval foot ring and opens to a small upright short-necked mouth. Hand-built with a slightly irregular and organic appearance, the stoneware vase was apparently inspired by Korean rice-bale vessel from Joseon Dynasty. Heavily potted with thick wall, the vase features a striking zogan (inlay) design in the free-spirited motifs of leaves and grasses. The dark abstract pattern contrast with the brown clay that on one end morphed into a reddish color. The vase comes with its original storage tomobako. On the front of the lid, it was entitled in Kanji "Zogan Grass Horizonal Vase". Under the lid, it was signed and red sealed by the artist. Also included is a wrapping cloth with the artist's seal.
Shugo is a Japanese potter born in Tokyo and based in Mashiko of the Tochigi Prefecture. He has established his own kiln since 1968 and primarily fires Mino, Shino and Oribe ash-glazed and black wares. Takauchi was awarded the Tochigi Prefectural Cultural Prize in 1998 and the Prize of the Japan Art and Culture Association at the Vallauris International Exhibition. He was selected as one of Japan's top 100 potters by three critics in Honoho Geijutsu magazine. His works are held in a number of international public collections including V and A museum in London, UK.