Living National Treasure, Nakada Kazuo (中田一於) - Kutani Ware Yūri Ginsai Vessel - As-is #187

Product Title: 2025 Living National Treasure Nakada Kazuo, Kutani Ware Yūri Ginsai Spirits Vessel Nakada Kazuo (中田一於, 1949–) 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 Tokuda Yasokichi 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.

The 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.

This 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.

As 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.

• Artist: Nakada Kazuo (中田一於, 1949–)
• Artist's Representative Activities: [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).
• Period of Creation: 2000s–2010s (The mature period when Nakada's technique was perfected)
• Condition: As-is / Imperfect (one chip on the rim; please refer to product images)
• Accessories: Original wooden box (with the artist's handwritten signature and seal)
• Material: Ceramic (Kutani Ware / Yūri Ginsai)
• Dimensions: Mouth diameter approx. 8.8 cm, Height approx. 7.5 cm
• Characteristics of Nakada Kazuo's Works: 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.
• Note: 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.
• Please check the photos: We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.