Toshiko Takaezu

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner, 1990

Please note the images are mislabeled in the print catalogue, and lot 135 is the smaller of the two works on offer by Toshiko Takaezu. Overall excellent original condition. When examined under blacklight, this “Moon Pot” shows no evidence of prior restoration. With wonderful scale and detailing to the glaze work. The color palette chosen for this work is more saturated when viewed in person, and has a magnificent sculptural presence. The coloration of this example is complementary to the larger “Moon Pot” offered as lot 136 and was acquired at the same time by the present owner.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These two lots are extraordinary examples of Toshiko Takaezu’s signature closed vertical "Moon Pot." Takaezu helped to define the contemporary art form of ceramics beginning as a pioneering artist in the 1950s and throughout her distinguished teaching career at Princeton. A student of Zen Buddhism, Takaezu is often quoted, “I see no difference between making pots, cooking and growing vegetables.”  The integration of life and art in the Japanese tradition continued to provide an inspiration in her art throughout her lengthy career. Works by Toshiko Takaezu are included in a number of premiere museum collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Philadelphia Museum of Art, which presented an important retrospective on the legacy of the artist in 2005.