{"title":"Nakada Kazuo (中田一於)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWorks by the Living National Treasure Nakada Kazuo (中田一於, 1949–) currently available at Antique Liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"43","title":"Living National Treasure Nakada Kazuo (中田一於)'s Kutani Ware Silver-Glazed Shochu Drinking Glass #43","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eNakada Kazuo has been designated as a Living National Treasure (Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for his ceramic technique known as Yukasai (underglaze coloring), the first designation ever made for this technique. This designation serves as public proof that the unique world of Yuri-ginsai (underglaze silver foil), which he has refined over many years, represents one of the highest peaks of Japanese traditional beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eThe reason Nakada Kazuo, who has established a new milestone in the history of Kutani ware, is held in such high esteem lies in the almost obsessive precision condensed into this work. The essence of Yuri-ginsai lies in the nearly impossible technical harmony of sealing the brilliance of silver deep beneath a lapis lazuli glaze. While ordinary silver decoration typically oxidizes and turns black when exposed to air, Nakada arranges paper-thin pieces of silver foil one by one like a puzzle based on meticulous calculations. He perfectly controls the risk of the silver foil melting away due to the intense heat during firing, maintaining an eternal sparkle within the glaze. This process is a divine skill that only he can achieve. This specific expression of silver shining with dignity beneath the glaze was the decisive reason for his selection as the first Living National Treasure in the field of Yukasai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThis work was created around 2009, a period when Nakada had completely mastered his technique and was receiving intense attention from museums worldwide; it is a representative piece that embodies his true essence. The silver foil hidden beneath the lapis lazuli glaze changes its expression like a kaleidoscope depending on the angle of the light, sometimes shimmering sharply like a gemstone and at other times swaying softly like morning mist. The geometric patterns reminiscent of lotus petals covering the entire vessel are his signature design. The contrast of blue and silver reflecting on the inside when sake is poured can be described as a supreme view that only the owner can enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eFurthermore, this work is exceptionally outstanding in terms of its form. The footed style exudes the dignity of a fine art craft, yet it maintains excellent center-of-gravity balance when actually held, fusing practicality and aesthetics at a high level. As a testament to its global value, his works are part of the permanent collections of institutions such as the Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in the United States. Following his designation as a Living National Treasure in 2025, there is no doubt that the rarity of such fulfilling works from his mature period will increase further in the art market. Holding the crystal of light of a master who has carved his name in history while enjoying a supreme drink is nothing less than a luxurious cultural privilege that transcends a mere evening glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduced by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nakada Kazuo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe artist's notable achievements include:\u003c\/strong\u003e [ \u003cspan class=\"line\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"year\"\u003e1990]\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"title\"\u003eMinister of Education Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition; [\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"line\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"year\"\u003e1993]\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"title\"\u003eUnderglaze Silver Vase selected for permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution's Mackler Gallery in Washington; [\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"line\"\u003e2001] Grand Prize at the Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition; [ \u003cspan class=\"year\"\u003e2011]\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"title\"\u003eMedal with Purple Ribbon; [ \u003cspan class=\"year\"\u003e2019]\u003c\/span\u003e Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; [2025] Designated Living National Treasure for his underglaze enamel technique.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa 2009\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good (no chips or cracks)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated wooden box, wrapping cloth, artist biography\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceramic (Kutani ware, pottery)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e height approx. 10.8cm, diameter approx. 8.1cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharacteristics of Nakada Kazuo's works:\u003c\/strong\u003e His greatest feature is the \"underglaze silver color\" technique, which involves applying a pattern with silver foil under the glaze. This technique allows the shine of the silver to show through the glaze, and the soft, pale colors and shading of light create a delicate expression with depth. Many of his works feature plants and geometric patterns applied with silver color, and are characterized by a cool, modern style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if the products we offer are brand new and unused, they are very old and are listed as second-hand items. Please note that the products may have damage due to aging, so please understand and check before purchasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47058962448571,"sku":null,"price":180000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_1090_result.jpg?v=1784445616"},{"product_id":"187","title":"Living National Treasure, Nakada Kazuo (中田一於) - Kutani Ware Yūri Ginsai Vessel - As-is #187","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eProduct Title: 2025 Living National Treasure Nakada Kazuo, Kutani Ware Yūri Ginsai Spirits Vessel Nakada Kazuo was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in 2025 for the ceramic technique of \"Yūkasai\" (underglaze decoration), the first designation ever made for this technique. This historic achievement is the nation's official recognition that Nakada's underglaze decoration, above all \"Yūri Ginsai\" (silver leaf beneath the glaze), refined over more than half a century, represents the absolute pinnacle of Japanese craft aesthetics. Having studied under the Living National Treasure \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E5%BE%B3%E7%94%B0%E5%85%AB%E5%8D%81%E5%90%89%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTokuda Yasokichi\u003c\/a\u003e III and learned the ultimate in color gradation, Nakada brought a new dimension of beauty to Kutani ware by sealing the brilliance of \"silver\" beneath the glaze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eThe reason Nakada is considered unique in the long history of Kutani ware lies in the overwhelming difficulty and tranquil beauty of the \"Yūri Ginsai\" technique featured in this work. Yūri Ginsai involves applying silver leaf to the vessel's surface and then firing it beneath a layer of glaze. Silver darkens as it oxidizes in the air, but sealed beneath the glaze it keeps its brilliance without tarnishing. Because the silver leaf is extremely thin, it constantly faces the risk of melting away under the intense heat of the kiln or being swept away by the movement of the glaze. Nakada places neatly cut pieces of silver leaf with tweezers, ensuring absolute precision, and uses unique temperature control to seal their brilliance beneath the glaze. This \"elegant depth of light that seems to well up from within\" is a divine technique that distinguishes itself from ordinary ginsai, where silver is simply fired onto the surface, and is a feat attainable only by a Living National Treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003eThis work strongly reflects the mature style of Nakada's career on the path toward becoming a Living National Treasure, featuring the geometric silver motifs that have become the artist's signature. Beneath the deep lapis lazuli and pale purple glazes, the neatly aligned vertical bands of silver leaf reflect light, at times shimmering like the passage of time, and at others like light dancing on a quiet water surface. Though originally created as a \"teacup (Yunomi),\" its high decorative quality and substantial weight make it an unparalleled \"spirits vessel\" for enjoying old-bottle whiskies or rare single malts that have aged for decades. When amber liquid is poured in, the refraction further amplifies the brilliance of the silver leaf, creating a fantastical scene in the palm of your hand that only the owner can experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003eAs evidence of their global value, Nakada's works are permanently housed in institutions such as the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Following the 2025 designation as a Living National Treasure, these works have solidified their status as \"Japanese Cultural Heritage.\" There is no doubt that the rarity of such unique pieces, which perfectly balance technique and artistry, will continue to grow in the art market. To savor the finest drink alongside this \"crystallization of light\" by a master who has truly reached the peak of Japan's artistic world is a supreme cultural privilege, transcending the ordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Nakada Kazuo (中田一於, born 1949)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"33\"\u003eArtist's Representative Activities:\u003c\/b\u003e [1990] Minister of Education Award at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition; [1993] Yūri Ginsai Jar permanently acquired by the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery; [2011] Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon; [2019] Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; [2025] Designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property \"Yūkasai\" (underglaze decoration) (Living National Treasure).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"456\"\u003ePeriod of Creation:\u003c\/b\u003e 2000s–2010s (The mature period when his technique was perfected)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"541\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e As-is \/ Imperfect\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e (one chip on the rim; please refer to product images)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"624\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (with the artist's handwritten signature and seal)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"708\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Ceramic (Kutani Ware \/ Yūri Ginsai)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"754\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Mouth diameter approx. 8.8 cm, Height approx. 7.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"819\"\u003eCharacteristics of Nakada Kazuo's Works:\u003c\/b\u003e The most defining feature is the \"Yūri Sai\" technique, which encloses gold or silver leaf beneath a transparent glaze. Because the silver leaf is never directly exposed to the air, it does not tarnish. The soft, deep luster transmitted through the glaze creates a modern and elegant ambiance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"1151\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Please note that all products provided by our store, even if in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47537146200251,"sku":null,"price":9000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5064_result.jpg?v=1774141491"}],"url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/collections\/maker-nakada-kazuo.oembed","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}