KEN MATSUZAKI TEA CUP


An early tea cup made by Mashiko great Ken Matsuzaki (1950-)


Decorated with rondels containing incised cranes motifs on an absolite glaze background.  

This decoration shows clear influence of his master Tatsuzo Shimaoka and is well documented in Ken Matsuzaki: Burning Tradition.

Dimensions approx 9.3cm wide, 6.9cm tall.

Incised potters mark on base.


Perfect condition.


Ken Matsuzaki was born in 1950 in Tokyo. Growing up Matsuzaki’s life was filled with art and culture and his family’s influence began to show when, around the age of 16, Matsuzaki developed an interest in ceramics. In 1972, after graduating from Tamagawa University’s College of Arts, he began a 3 year apprenticeship with (National Living Treasure) Tatsuzo Shimaoka.


Nearing the end of his apprenticeship Matsuzaki asked Shimaoka if he would consider extending it for another 2 years, whilst he learned to develop his own style, and began creating his own motifs and palette of glazes that he would use for the next 15 years. Today, Matsuzaki has exhibited widely in Japan, America and the UK