{"product_id":"187","title":"Living National Treasure, Kazuo Nakata - Kutani Ware Yūri Kinsai Vessel - As-is #187","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eProduct Title: 2024 Living National Treasure Kazuo Nakata, Kutani Ware Yūri Kinsai Spirits Vessel Kazuo Nakata was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in 2024 for his mastery of the \"Yūri Kinsai\" (gold leaf underglaze) technique—the first time a Kutani ware decorative technique has received this prestigious honor. This historic achievement is the nation's official recognition that the \"Kinsai\" (gold decoration) expression, which Mr. Nakata has refined for over half a century, represents the absolute pinnacle of Japanese craft aesthetics. Having studied under the Living National Treasure Tokuda Yasokichi III, from whom he learned the ultimate in color gradation, Mr. Nakata brought a new dimension of beauty to Kutani ware by sealing the eternal brilliance of \"gold\" within his works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eThe reason Mr. Nakata is considered unique in the long history of Kutani ware lies in the overwhelming difficulty and tranquil beauty of the \"Yūri Kinsai\" technique featured in this work. Yūri Kinsai involves applying minute fragments of gold leaf to the vessel's surface and then firing it with a layer of transparent glaze on top. Because the gold 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. Mr. Nakata meticulously places thousands of sand-like gold leaf fragments one by one with tweezers, ensuring absolute precision, and uses unique temperature control to seal their brilliance eternally beneath the glaze. This \"elegant depth of light that seems to well up from within\" is a divine technique that distinguishes itself from ordinary kinsai, where gold 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 Mr. Nakata's career as he solidified his path toward becoming a Living National Treasure, featuring the geometric gold motifs that have become his signature. Beneath the deep lapis lazuli and pale purple glazes, the neatly arranged gold leaf reflects 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 gold 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, Mr. Nakata'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 his 2024 designation as a Living National Treasure, his 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 Kazuo Nakata (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; [2024] Designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property \"Yūri Kinsai\" (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 Kinsai)\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 Kazuo Nakata'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 gold 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":10000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5060_result.jpg?v=1774141491","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/187","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}