22490 Kitaoji Rosanjin (Bizen ash-covered shell-shaped bowl (2nd generation Kuroda Touanshi))

Height 5.2cm Width 24.7cm Depth 24.6cm

Praised as an artist who would never be promoted, he displayed his extraordinary talents not only in ceramics but also in seal carving, lacquerware, calligraphy and other fields. This is the finest work by Kitaoji Rosanjin, a great master of all arts who left behind many masterpieces and legends due to his unique aesthetic eye and passion for pottery. The powerful and majestic kiln changes make this a truly magnificent piece. In his later years, Rosanjin deepened his friendship with Kaneshige Toyo, a Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, and it is said that he was so absorbed in it that he built a Bizen ware kiln in Kamakura. Kitaoji Rosanjin, who showed extraordinary talent in a wide range of arts and was known as a genius, attempted to create this great Bizen ware masterpiece as the culmination of his artistic career.