Flask (tokkuri) c. 20th century

This sake flask, or ‘tokkuri,’ was made by Kaneta Masanao, a contemporary Japanese ceramicist, using stoneware clay and a wood-fired kiln. The rough, asymmetrical form gives the impression of a naturally weathered stone, as if the artist simply found it in that state, hollowed it out and added a spout. But make no mistake, the earthy texture and subdued colors are the result of a highly controlled process. Kaneta is known for his expert use of ‘yakishime,’ or high-fired unglazed stoneware, which allows the natural qualities of the clay to emerge. The flask’s subtle variations in color and texture are actually a record of the firing process itself, of the placement of the piece within the kiln, the layering of ash, and the choreography of intense heat. So, what seems like a celebration of raw nature is actually a celebration of sophisticated making, a reminder that the most affecting art often embodies a deep understanding of materials and process.