Suzanne Lovell Inc

Fine Art

Sakiyama Takayuki

“Chōtō- Listening to the Waves”, 2018. Stoneware with sand glaze.
Dimensions are: 16.5″ x 16″ x 16.5″
Image courtesy of: Joan B Mirviss Ltd.

Without question ceramics are one of the highlights of Japanese art. The art form that began with a single tea bowl has evolved through the centuries and Japanese artists continue to set themselves apart in showcasing their unique ceramic expertise in ways that are vastly different from their western counterparts. Sakiyama Takayuki is no exception with his brilliance in ceramics… his intricately carved pieces are finished with a unique sand-glaze that he developed and has elegantly mastered over the past several decades.

Large vessel “twisting” with diagonally-incised cascading folds, 2009. Stoneware with sand glaze.
Dimensions are: 15 3/4″ x 18 7/8″ x 18 7/8″
Image courtesy of: Joan B Mirviss Ltd.

Takayuki draws his inspiration from the sea, specifically the rugged Pacific Ocean seacoast near his home. The carved and rippling surface patterns in his work reinforce the spiraling nature of his double-walled vessels. Takayuki is able to meld form and surface together to produce objects that are bold and seamless.

Large banded open-mouthed and double-walled vessel, 2012. Stoneware with sand glaze.
Dimensions are: 14″ x 15 3/4″ x 15 3/8″
Image courtesy of: Joan B Mirviss Ltd.

Takayuki’s most recent collection is called “Chōtō- Listening to the Wave.” This series is intended to evoke the power and nature of the ocean and its currents. Specifically, the vessels in this collection are intricately carved and finished with Takayuki’s unique sand-glaze. The works remains true to their origins as functional vessels while they convey a highly sculptural quality.

Sakiyama Takayuki’s exhibition May 29- June 27, 2015. Pierre Marie Giraud Gallery, Brussels.
Image courtesy of: Pierre Marie Giraud

Takayuki graduated from the University of Osaka and opened a ceramic workshop amongst the scenic mountains and shorelines of the Izu Peninsula. The artist sculpts his clay into curvaceous shapes onto which he creates a fine plissé. Over the years, Takayuki has defined and refined his signature features… sculptural vessels in which the interior and exterior are seamlessly joined and covered with a uniquely textured sand-glaze. The movement that Takayuki’s vessels evoke come from his fascination with the tides and waves that are a result of the sea’s natural curves and undulations.

“Chōtō- Listening to the Waves”, 2004. Stoneware with sand glaze.
Dimensions are: 15 3/4″ (height) x 12 3/4″ (rim diameter)
Image courtesy of: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Takayuki takes Japanese inspiration further in that the texture of his vessels’ surfaces echo the raked zen gardens that are commonplace throughout Japan. This is achieved with the special glaze he developed which highlights the intricate designs of the clay’s carvings.

“Chōtō- Listening to the Waves”, 2016.
Dimensions are: 13 1/2″ x 19″ x 16″
Image courtesy of: Joan B Mirviss Ltd.

Although some pieces appear as though they were made from the beach’s sand and created by the current of the receding water… the process is much more complicated and involved. There is nothing simple about Takayuki’s vessels; that is part of the beauty!

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