Osako Mikio was a distinguished Japanese ceramic artist whose work embodies the rich traditions of Tokoname ware—one of Japan’s six ancient kilns—while embracing contemporary innovation. Trained at the Tokoname Municipal...
Osako Mikio was a distinguished Japanese ceramic artist whose work embodies the rich traditions of Tokoname ware—one of Japan’s six ancient kilns—while embracing contemporary innovation. Trained at the Tokoname Municipal Ceramic Research Institute under esteemed mentors Sawada Yoshiharu, Esaki Issei, and Takeuchi Kimiaki, he established his independent studio in Tokoname in 1982. This is a well thrown larger bottle by him. The belly is round, creating a compositional tension through its curvilinear form: the slender shoulder carefully moving up towards a meticulously shaped lip. The olive green ash glaze hugs the torso of this form, emphasizing the stoneware's warmth. Ash glaze is used throughout this Sake vessel, best epitomizing the textured Tokoname clay. The texture of the sake bottle surface recalls the stones of moss-grown Buddha statues in the temples of Tokoname. This bottle has the iconic sand-like clay texture of Tokoname wares, which are known for its mass production from Ise Bay.
Artist Biography 1940 Born in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture 1968 Entered Tokoname City Ceramic Art Institute 1970 Awarded first prize at the 8th Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition The 17th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1972 Awarded the Honorary Grand Prize at the Barros International Ceramic Art Exhibition 1975 Awarded the Grand Prize at the 3rd Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition Dedicated a large jar to Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu 1987 Invited to exhibit at the 9th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition The Japan Foundation purchased a large jar and a large dish 1995 Passed away