Vintage Glass-Based Glaze Seto Guinomi, Suzuki Seisei, Sake Cup, Choko, Guinomi, Seto Ware,
Seto ware is produced in and around Seto City, Aichi Prefecture. Following the pottery tradition of the Sanage kilns, Seto kilns began producing glazed ceramics from the end of the Heian period. During medieval Japan, Seto and Mino were major centers of glazed ceramic production, and porcelain was also produced in Seto from the latter half of the Edo period. – Adapted from A Dictionary of Japanese Art Terms
This guinomi was made by Suzuki Seisei (1914–1990).
Suzuki Seisei was a Seto ceramic artist active in the postwar period, alongside artists such as Kawamoto Gorō and Katō Shuntō.
Born on May 10, 1914, in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, to a farming family, Suzuki began working at his aunt’s pottery shop, where he developed a deep fascination with clay and ceramics.
In 1938, he decided to devote himself fully to pottery. Under the mentorship of Katō Kasen, leader of the Shuntō-kai (now the Seto Ceramic Association), Suzuki was first accepted into the Bunten (the Ministry of Education Art Exhibition) in 1940.
He went on to exhibit regularly at the Bunten and Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition), receiving the Special Selection Award in 1953.
Rooted in traditional Seto techniques such as Setoguro (black Seto ware) and Shino, Suzuki continually pursued innovation and individuality in his work.
In his early years, he experimented with textile-inspired surface patterns, and later developed his own frit glaze, a glass-based glaze that produced luminous and richly colored effects.
Color and glaze became important features of his work.
His works are characterized by flowing glazes and carved forms, including strongly defined ring feet (gokézoko).
Beyond his creative practice, Suzuki made significant contributions as a juror and councilor for major exhibitions including the Nitten, the Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, the National Ceramic Exhibition, the Chūbi Exhibition, the Kōfū Exhibition, and the Kansai General Art Exhibition.
His lifelong dedication to the advancement of ceramic arts earned him numerous honors, including the Chunichi Cultural Award, the Aichi Prefecture Cultural Merit Award, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
Suzuki worked in Seto, a region with kiln sites dating from the Kamakura to Muromachi periods.
His practice remained closely connected to the long ceramic tradition of the Seto region.
His work forms part of the modern history of Seto ceramics.
Major Exhibitions and Awards
• Multiple awards at regional exhibitions
• Governor’s Prize, Seto Ceramic Exhibition
• Award, Chubu Craft Exhibition
• Three-time selection, Bunten
• Eight-time selection, Nitten (including one Special Selection; two invitations; three juror appointments)
• Commissioned entry, France Ceramic Exhibition
• Works designated by the Ministry of Education (now MEXT)
• Exhibited at the Museum of Florence, Italy
• Exhibited in the Japan Contemporary Art Invitational Exhibition, United States
• Exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Exhibited in Sweden and Germany
• Exhibited at the World Ceramic Exhibition, Belgium
• Permanent collection, State Museum of Russia
• Juror, National Ceramic Exhibition; Chūbi Exhibition
• Councilor and juror, Kōfū Exhibition
• Juror, Kansai General Art Exhibition
• Juror (three times) and board member, Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition
• Juror (six times), Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition
• Commissioned to produce tableware for the Emperor and Empress of Japan
• Recipient, Chunichi Cultural Award
• Recipient, Aichi Prefecture Cultural Merit Award
• Decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
This guinomi features Suzuki’s glass-based frit glaze.
The glaze creates flowing tonal variations across the surface.
The surface reflects both Seto ceramic traditions and his individual approach to color and glaze.
It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box), Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth), and an artist-provided leaflet.
We acquired it from a friend, whose father collected sake cups.
There are no visible signs of use.
Measurement
Diameter: 5.3cm – 5.8cm / Approx. 2 3/32” – 2 9/32”
Height: 4.0cm – 4.3cm / Approx. 1 37/64” – 1 11/16”
Thickness: 0.5cm / Approx. 0 13/64”
Weight: 71g
Age: 1973
* Previous owner bought the cup
Material: Pottery
Technique: Seto
Color Surface: Seto Glass-based glaze Lamp Black, Ochre,
Color Clay: Cork
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box)
* Artist-provided leaflet
* Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth)
* No chips, scratches, or visible blemishes.
* Inscriptions (Refer to No. 9 photo)
* Spots and stains on the cloth due to long-term storage. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Wooden nails on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Discoloration on the box due to sun exposure. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* The base of the piece comes into contact with surfaces, so minor contact marks may be present.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
