Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - A Signature Work Connecting Yomitan's Wood-Fired Yachimun Tradition with Contemporary Japanese Tableware

1. Artist: Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) — Co-founder of Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama
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 Cup / Multi-Purpose Tableware
5. Form: Soba-Choko (そば猪口) / Free Cup
6. Craft Tradition: やちむん / 登り窯 — Okinawan Yachimun / Wood-Fired Climbing Kiln

This finely proportioned Soba-Choko-style cup by Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) brings the expressive character of traditional Yomitanzan-Yaki into a compact vessel designed for everyday use.

The gently tapered cylindrical body is finished with a warm cream-colored slip ground and animated by energetic applications of amber-brown Ame-yu and cobalt-blue Gosu. The freehand brushwork creates an organic rhythm across the surface, allowing the movement of the glaze and the character of the clay to remain central to the composition. Its compact proportions make the vessel exceptionally versatile. Traditionally associated with soba dipping sauce, the Soba-Choko form can also function as a small tea cup, sake vessel, dessert cup, dipping vessel, or serving cup depending on the occasion. The combination of a restrained silhouette and expressive Yachimun decoration exemplifies the enduring Okinawan approach to functional pottery: usefulness and artistic character existing within the same object.

Kyōshi Matsuda & Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama

Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) is a co-founder of Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama (北窯) in Yomitan Village. Kita-Gama was established in 1992 by Kyōshi Matsuda, his twin brother Yoneshi Matsuda, and fellow ceramic artists. The kiln is part of the continuing development of Yomitan's Yachimun tradition, maintaining a large wood-fired climbing kiln (noborigama) and producing functional ceramics characterized by strong forms and expressive surface decoration.

Matsuda's work reflects the practical and aesthetic principles of Okinawan Mingei, in which everyday vessels are shaped by the relationship between the maker, local materials, decoration, and firing. The resulting ceramics are intended not simply to be displayed, but to become part of daily life.

The Soba-Choko Form

The Soba-Choko (そば猪口) is a familiar small-cup form in Japanese tableware, historically associated with serving dipping sauce for soba and subsequently used for a wide range of food and drink.

Gently Tapered Profile: The slightly narrowing body provides a comfortable grip while maintaining a stable base.

Compact Functional Scale: Its size makes the vessel suitable for dipping sauces, tea, sake, small desserts, condiments, and other individual servings.

Handle-Free Design: The simple cylindrical form is intended to be held directly in the hand, allowing the tactile qualities of the ceramic surface to remain part of the experience.

Versatile Tableware: Its proportions make it equally appropriate for traditional Japanese dining and contemporary table settings.

Sansai-Inspired Decoration

The visual identity of this cup comes from the contrast between its light ground and energetic amber-and-blue decoration.

Warm Cream Slip: The light-colored ground provides a restrained background for the stronger glaze colors.

Amber Ame-yu: The amber-brown glaze contributes an earthy warmth that complements the natural ceramic body.

Cobalt Gosu: The deep blue brushwork provides a cool counterpoint to the warmer tones.

Wood-Fired Variation: Wood firing can produce subtle differences in glaze pooling, color intensity, edge coloration, and surface texture. These variations are an inherent part of individually made Yachimun rather than signs of manufacturing uniformity.

Premium Collector Highlights

1. Kyōshi Matsuda (松田 共司) — Co-founder of Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama
2. Kita-Gama Heritage — part of Yomitan's continuing Yachimun ceramic tradition
3. Soba-Choko Form — compact and highly versatile Japanese tableware profile
4. Sansai-Inspired Decoration — expressive amber and cobalt brushwork
5. Hand-Thrown Construction — individually formed ceramic vessel
6. Wood-Fired Character — natural variation from climbing-kiln firing
7. Functional Fine Craft — designed for both everyday use and collection
8. Compact Collectible Format — an accessible expression of Yachimun craftsmanship
9. Individual Surface Character — every handmade vessel develops its own visual nuances

Curator's Note

The appeal of this Soba-Choko lies in its intimacy. Unlike a large statement vessel, its compact scale invites direct interaction: held in the hand, used at the table, and appreciated at close range. The energetic amber and cobalt brushwork gives the restrained form a distinctly Okinawan character, while its versatility allows traditional Yachimun craftsmanship to remain part of contemporary daily life.

Dimensions & Physical Specifications

These measurements are currently estimated studio proportions. Actual measurements of the individual piece should be used for the final product listing whenever possible.

Provenance & Collector Presentation

The cup is associated with the Yomitanzan-Yaki Kita-Gama tradition in Yomitan Village, Okinawa. If the individual vessel bears a maker's or studio mark, the mark may be photographed as part of the product documentation and described as an identifying feature of the work. Unless separate authentication documentation exists, it is preferable to use “artist/studio identifying mark” rather than “authenticated.” Natural differences in glaze movement, kiln coloration, brushwork, and surface texture should be expected in handmade wood-fired ceramics. These variations contribute to the individuality of the piece.

Care Instructions

1. Hand wash gently with warm water and mild soap.
2. Use a soft sponge or cloth rather than abrasive scrubbers.
3. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
4. Do not place in a dishwasher unless the studio confirms dishwasher suitability.
5. Avoid microwave and oven use unless specifically approved by the maker.
6. Avoid sudden temperature changes or thermal shock.
7. Do not leave submerged in water for prolonged periods.
8. Dry completely before storage.
9. Keep in a stable environment away from extreme temperature and humidity changes.

Shipping & International Orders

Domestic Japan: Carefully packed and shipped using insured delivery where available. International: International delivery can be arranged using protective packaging and appropriate courier service. International customers are responsible for applicable customs duties, import taxes, VAT/GST, brokerage charges, and other destination-country fees.

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