ARTWORK OVERVIEW

This compact guinomi presents a dragon in a more open, diagonal composition than the coiled example. The figure moves across the irregular planes of the cup beneath an olive-green Oribe glaze, bordered by exposed cream and iron-toned pattern fields. A broad wave panel occupies the reverse, while the dark, mottled interior and patterned base complete the vessel’s continuous surface.

ARTIST CONTEXT

In Makoto Yamaguchi’s Rimpa Oribe work, the vessel is treated as a small but complete pictorial environment. Relief, line, glaze and exposed clay are not assigned fixed roles; each can move between image, texture and structure. The guinomi format makes this relationship especially immediate, since the entire composition can be explored through a few turns of the hand.

ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION

Unlike the concentrated circular energy of the coiled dragon guinomi, this dragon appears to move outward across the vessel. Its body follows the cup’s angled planes, giving the composition a looser and more directional rhythm. The wave field on the reverse continues that movement after the dragon leaves view, allowing the imagery to circulate around the entire form.

CURATOR’S SELECTION

We selected this guinomi as a distinct counterpoint to the coiled dragon work. It carries a lighter, more open energy while maintaining the same integration of relief, glaze and patterned ground. The irregular silhouette is particularly effective here: it redirects the dragon’s movement and prevents the image from settling into a conventional frame.

COLLECTOR PERSPECTIVE

Although small in scale, this is a visually active work. Its strongest face is immediately recognisable, but the relationship between dragon, waves and patterned fragments only becomes clear through rotation. The raised lines, pooled glaze and exposed clay reward close inspection, giving the cup a presence that exceeds its physical size.