Sasaoka Motozô (1936-2019) is the youngest son of Sasaoka Shunzan, who is one of the biggest names in Banko-yaki pottery and is particularly well known for his kyûsu teapots created without turning using the “tebineri” technique. Motozô took a slightly different path. He was initially captivated by Chinese Song pottery and, in particular, “tenmoku” bowls. He has passionately studied glazing techniques his entire life and has acquired a wealth of knowledge and skill in this domain.
While his finest masterpieces are tenmoku bowls (tenmoku chawan), Motozô excels in producing a wide variety of objects, especially tea accessories that include both kyûsu and small Chinese teapots, tea cups, etc. He has a remarkable mastery of glaze, but also produces unglazed yakishime clay works, which connect with the works of his father Shunzan and his sister Hôzan.
Even if slightly heavy and the lid not perfectly fitted (the technique used makes perfect fitting unlikely), this teapot is a magnificent work that has great presence.