{"title":"Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWorks by the ceramic artist Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938–) currently available at Antique Liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"276","title":"Japan Ceramic Society Award Winner, Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元), Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glazed Bellows-Structure Mizusashi Water Jar, Covered Ice Bowl #276","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn into a prestigious family of Agano ware with approximately 400 years of history, this extremely historically valuable Mizusashi (water jar) is created by Kozuru Hajime (b. 1938), a master who was active as a top leader in traditional craft circles, winning consecutive awards at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and receiving the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, highly acclaimed for his research achievements in Old Agano ware and his unique, refined modeling prowess, Kozuru traveled to the United States as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University. Immediately after his arrival, on May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington State suffered a catastrophic eruption. Focusing on the volcanic ash that dispersed widely across the eastern North American continent, Kozuru personally collected and refined this natural geological material rich in silicic acid, alumina, and various minerals, independently developing and elevating it into an unprecedented ceramic glaze: \"Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glaze.\" Created in the early 1980s (c. 1980–1985), coinciding with the 1980 eruption and his tenure at Harvard University, this piece is a supreme contemporary work in which the earth's geological energy and traditional Japanese ceramic techniques fuse at a high level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitled \"Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glaze Mizusashi\" in the artist's own handwriting on the original wooden box (Tomobako), this work splendidly crystallizes Kozuru's architectural structural beauty and unique geological glazing. On the surface of its commanding, near-spherical form measuring approximately 18.0 cm in width and 18.0 cm in height, multiple horizontal tiers (a bellows-like step structure) are meticulously carved, creating three-dimensional shadows evocative of geological strata and crustal movements. The Mount St. Helens volcanic ash glaze covering the entire work displays a smooth transition from a heavy dark gray that absorbs light to a deep dark brownish-black where minute mineral crystals float, conveying a tranquil texture characteristic of minerals while remaining matte to the touch. From the knob of the matching lid to the precise fit with the body, there is not a single flaw, and trace marks of shell stacking (kaizumi)—evidence of high-temperature firing—remain on the foot ring, demonstrating an exquisite harmony between North American natural phenomena and advanced firing control techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossessing a commanding form and heavy texture, our shop proposes this piece as a high-end covered ice bowl (luxury ice bucket) tailored to modern lifestyles, enhancing special moments for enjoying Western spirits. The deep matte black texture produced by Mount St. Helens volcanic ash beautifully highlights transparent ice crystals floating in rocks glasses, creating a refined contrast with amber whisky or bourbon. Its structured design with a matching lid and stable 18 cm scale offer outstanding practicality, exuding overwhelming dignity on bar counters and living room tables. Fusing the historical fact of a North American natural phenomenon with traditional Japanese craft, this is an extraordinarily rare authentic piece with few parallels in the world, serving as a supreme craft piece that elegantly graces sophisticated adult spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003eKozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938-)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepresentative Career Highlights: \u003c\/strong\u003e[1968, 1969] Received the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the 15th and 16th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibitions (won 2 consecutive years), [1975] Received the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award, [1980] Traveled to the U.S. as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, [1997] Received the 9th Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections: \u003c\/strong\u003eFukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Tagawa City Museum of Art, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, Forest Hills Park (Boston), etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Period: \u003c\/strong\u003ec. 1980–1985 (Eruption of Mount St. Helens and period as Visiting Fellow at Harvard University)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eDedicated original wooden box (Tomobako) included (with artist's calligraphy and red seal), cloth wrap included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003eCeramics (Mount St. Helens volcanic ash glaze)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Width approx. 18.0 cm, Height approx. 18.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eEven if the products provided by our shop are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm that the item may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47931191460027,"sku":null,"price":55000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_3091_result.jpg?v=1790256060"},{"product_id":"278","title":"Japan Ceramic Society Award Winner, Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元), Black Glazed Platinum Painted Bellows-Structure Pitcher with Twisted Handle, Mizusashi Water Vessel #278","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eBorn as the eldest son of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E9%AB%98%E9%B6%B4%E5%A4%8F%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKozuru Kazan\u003c\/a\u003e, a prestigious kiln master of Agano ware with approximately 400 years of history in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kozuru Hajime (b. 1938) is a master who was active at the pinnacle of Japanese traditional ceramic art, winning the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for two consecutive years and receiving the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award. This highly original pitcher (mizutsugi \/ water vessel) is a work by him. In 1980, recognized for his research achievements in Old Agano ware and his exceptional modeling prowess, Kozuru Hajime was invited to the United States as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, where he built a kiln in the suburbs of Boston. After moving to the U.S., he transcended the boundaries of traditional tea ceramics, developing international contemporary art that fused Western aesthetic forms, geometric shapes, and metallic glazes such as platinum and gold luster. The Roman alphabet mark \"HK\" incised into the bottom of the piece symbolizing his style, the inscription \"Black Glazed Platinum Painted Pitcher\" on the original wooden box (Tomobako), along with the expression of the twisted handle and platinum luster, clearly tell that this is an authentic work created around 1985 to 1995 (mid-1980s to early 1990s), coinciding with the period of international exhibitions following his move to Harvard University in 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThis work possesses a powerful and commanding presence with dimensions of approximately 18.5 cm in height, 20.0 cm in overall width including the handle, and 16.0 cm in body diameter. The body features the bellows structure (stepped horizontal ridges)—an architectural geometric modeling technique in which Kozuru Hajime excels—creating vivid sculptural light and shadow. The handle extending from the spout adopts a twisted (spiral) structure formed by tightly twisting two clay strands together, splendidly combining Western traditional pouring vessel designs with dynamic clay expression of Japanese ceramics. Over the matte black glaze covering the entire vessel, platinum painting (platinum luster) emitting a dull, heavy silver luster is applied, radiating an overwhelming presence through the chic, deep gradient created by the black and silver tones. Furthermore, the bottom features an octagonal carved base, clearly retaining the incised \"HK\" mark alongside shell-stacking marks (three spur marks) from high-temperature firing, bearing testimony to the artist's technical mastery and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003ePossessing heavy form and metallic beauty reminiscent of antique silver, our shop proposes this pitcher (mizutsugi) tailored to modern lifestyles as a supreme Japanese Kogei sake vessel (water dispenser \/ decanter) for enjoying rich aged spirits, whisky, or shochu. The deep texture woven by the black glaze and platinum luster further enhances the beauty of amber-colored aged spirits and matured liquors, bringing the sophistication of dignified modern art to high-end bar counters and dining tables. With works collected in public museums such as the Peabody Museum at Harvard University and the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, this rare masterpiece by Kozuru Hajime represents a high-level realization where traditional craft and modern art intersect, serving as a luxurious craft piece that graces special spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;Artist's Message\u0026gt; \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eBorn out of ceramics, Not merely because of the circumstance of my birth, Just as a white flower blooms naturally from a white flower seed, And a red flower from a red flower seed, Before I realized it, I was sitting in the very heart of ceramic art. And now, I reflect. I want to create something true, To take the beautiful spirit and form created by our ancestors, Make it my own, and live in the present era... Wishing for nothing more than this, I sit amidst the clay again today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\" style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eKozuru Hajime\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003eKozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938-)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepresentative Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1968, 1969] Received the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the 15th and 16th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibitions (won 2 consecutive years), [1975] Received the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award, [1980] Traveled to the U.S. as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, [1997] Received the 9th Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections: \u003c\/strong\u003eFukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Tagawa City Museum of Art, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, Forest Hills Park (Boston), etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e c. 1985–1995 (Period as Visiting Fellow at Harvard University to international expansion period)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eDedicated original wooden box (Tomobako) included (with artist's calligraphy and red seal), original leaflet included (\"Moto-gama\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceramics (Black glaze, platinum painted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eWidth (including handle) approx. 20.0 cm, Depth (body diameter) approx. 16.0 cm, Height approx. 18.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if the products provided by our shop are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm that the item may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47974191890619,"sku":null,"price":75000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_3230_result.jpg?v=1790256615"}],"url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/collections\/maker-kozuru-hajime.oembed","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}