Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - A Signature Masterwork Bridging Ryukyu Kiln Lineage, Traditional Okinawan Earth & Modern Culinary Culture

1. Artist: Master Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) — Co-founder of Yomitanzan-yaki Kita-Gama (読谷山焼 北窯)
2. Studio / Kiln Tradition: Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama (読谷山焼 北窯)
3. Origin: Yachimun no Sato, Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
4. Category: Okinawan Yachimun Ceramic | Fine Art Lidded Container | Masterpiece Covered Vessel (Futamono)
5. Craft Tradition: やちむん / 登り窯 (Okinawan Yachimun / Wood-Fired Climbing Kiln)

This masterfully executed Okinawan lidded ceramic container (Futamono) by studio master Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) stands as an elegant, expressive work in contemporary Japanese studio pottery. Hand-thrown using iron-rich Okinawan clay at the renowned Kita-Gama (North Kiln) in Yomitan Village, the vessel features traditional Ryukyu Sansai splash motifs-sweeping brushwork in rich amber glaze (Ame-yu) and cobalt blue (Gosu) over a warm ivory slip ground. High-temperature wood firing in the famous 13-chamber climbing kiln (noborigama) induces subtle micro-crazing and earthy tonal depth across its glazed body, lid, and finial knob.

As one of the prominent master potters of Yomitan's Yachimun no Sato, Kyōshi Matsuda represents a vital pillar in modern Okinawan ceramic history. Established alongside his twin brother Yoneshi Matsuda and fellow masters in 1992, Kita-Gama is nationally celebrated for maintaining wood-fired climbing kiln traditions while crafting functional pottery meant to bring warmth and utility into daily life.

The covered vessel exhibits exceptional rounded proportions and ergonomic balance. A wide, rounded basin transitions into a neatly turned inner gallery that holds a flush-fitted domed lid crowned with a delicate, tactile finial knob. Fine surface crackle (Kani-me) across the translucent glaze reflects the living nature of wood-fired Okinawan clay. Perfectly suited as a luxury sugar bowl, condiment pot, or salt cellar, it offers an authentic touch of Ryukyu heritage to any tabletop setting.

Because lidded vessels require precise wheel-throwing, matching shrinkage calibration between body and lid, and wood-fired kiln placement, they represent a true benchmark of a master potter's technical skill. As an authenticated studio work from Yomitan, this covered bowl offers collectors a functional piece of Okinawan craft tradition.

Master Kyōshi Matsuda & Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama

Kyōshi Matsuda (born 1954, Okinawa Prefecture) is a central figure in modern Yachimun. After completing his apprenticeship in traditional Okinawan ceramics, he co-founded Kita-Gama (読谷山焼 北窯) in 1992 within Yachimun no Sato, Yomitan Village. Today, Kita-Gama's step-climbing kiln (noborigama) is one of the most iconic ceramic sites in Japan, fired collaboratively only a few times a year using pine firewood.

Matsuda's work is celebrated for its unpretentious strength, dynamic slip decoration (Poterat / Dab motifs), and deep connection to local Okinawan materials. Using regional clay and natural mineral glazes, his vessels carry the authentic rustic charm (Mingei folk art spirit) championed by generations of Ryukyu craftsmen.

Technical Challenge of Lidded Vessel Craftsmanship

In studio ceramics, crafting a perfectly fitting lidded container (Futamono) requires exact technical execution:

1. Precision Shrinkage Calibration: The body and lid are thrown as separate components and must dry and shrink at identical rates to ensure a seamless, non-rocking fit after high-temperature firing.
2. Gallery Rim Construction: The inner rim is hand-turned with a recessed lip to secure the lid snugly during use while preserving heat or protecting contents.
3. Traditional Sansai Glazing: Amber (Ame-yu) and cobalt (Gosu) glazes are applied with quick, confident hand strokes before entering the climbing kiln.

Dimensions & Physical Specifications (Estimated Studio Proportions)

1. Height (including lid finial): ~8.5 – 10.0 cm (~3.3 – 3.9 in)
2. Maximum Body Diameter: ~10.0 – 11.5 cm (~3.9 – 4.5 in)
3. Lid Diameter: ~9.5 – 10.5 cm (~3.7 – 4.1 in)
4. Base / Foot Diameter: ~4.5 – 5.5 cm (~1.8 – 2.2 in)
5. Net Weight: ~320 – 420 g (~0.71 – 0.93 lbs)

Premium Highlights

1. Artist: Master Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) — Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama
2. Studio / Location: Kita-Gama (北窯), Yachimun no Sato, Yomitan Village, Okinawa
3. Category: Okinawan Yachimun Fine Art Lidded Container (Sansai Futamono)
4. Materials: Okinawan Clay, White Slip Ground, Amber Glaze (Ame-yu), Cobalt Glaze (Gosu)
5. Technique: Wheel-thrown construction, hand-painted Sansai splash motif, climbing kiln firing (noborigama)
6. Surface Texture: Soft cream ground, expressive amber & indigo splashes, fine glaze crazing
7. Provenance: Authenticated studio work direct from Yomitan Village, Okinawa
8. Edition: Handcrafted studio work with unique kiln character

Curator’s Note

"Lidded bowls from Master Kyōshi Matsuda capture the warmth of Okinawan Mingei folk art. The energetic, freehand splashes of amber and cobalt glaze over the warm cream slip reflect decades of wheel confidence. Whether serving as a sugar bowl alongside a teaset or holding fine sea salt on a dining table, this vessel brings organic beauty into everyday rituals."

Specifications

Care Instructions

1. Rinse gently by hand with warm water after each use.
2. Avoid harsh chemical detergents or abrasive scrubbers on the glazed surface.
3. Do not wash in an automated dishwasher.
4. Do not place in microwaves or ovens.
5. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing.

Shipping & International Delivery

Domestic Shipping (Japan): Shipped via insured express courier in protective archival packaging. International Delivery: Fully insured white-glove international courier shipping available to Mainland Japan, the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia.

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