This piece is a special Kutani-yaki sake cup created to commemorate Sino-Japanese friendship and the ceremonial toast during Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone’s official visit to China in 1984 (Showa 59). Mitsui Tamekichi III (real name: Eiichi Mitsui, born 1935), a standard-bearer of the prestigious Mitsui Tamekichi lineage, was officially commissioned to create sake cups for Prime Minister Nakasone’s visit, following his previous commissions for Prime Minister Ohira in 1979 and Prime Minister Suzuki in 1982. This piece is a distinguished item crafted to grace a historic diplomatic stage. Tamekichi III inherited the techniques of the first Tamekichi, who was a disciple of the legendary Tokuda Yasokichi I. He is highly acclaimed for expressing the traditional Kutani Gosai (five Kutani colors: red, yellow, green, purple, and dark blue)—used since the Ko-Kutani era—with modern sophistication.
While the design may appear simple at first glance, this piece is a culmination of advanced craftsmanship that sets it apart from mass-produced items. The technique of applying traditional Japanese overglaze enamels (wa-enogu) in thick layers creates a three-dimensional effect and a jewel-like translucency within the pigments themselves. This chromatic beauty, which transmits and intricately refracts light, can never be replicated by transfer prints or uniform products using Western-style paints. Furthermore, the brushwork depicting the landscapes exhibits calculated variation in speed and pressure; each stroke creates an atmospheric depth within the small vessel, as if mist were rising. Combined with the elegant arrangement of unpainted negative space, it exudes a dignity unattainable in mass production.
The landscape-and-figure motif (Sansui-jinbutsu-mon) on the exterior represents the essence of Tamekichi’s artistry, depicting a tranquil worldview through meticulous polychrome techniques. This motif is a universal theme in East Asian culture symbolizing the harmony between nature and humanity, making it the ideal design for a diplomatic gift signifying the deep cultural ties between Japan and China. The vibrant coloration of the Kutani Gosai, sharpened by delicate brushwork, demonstrates the high-level fusion of ancient "beauty in utility" and modern artistry that the artist reached through decades of research.
Standing approximately 5.3 cm in height with a diameter of 5.6 cm, the cup is designed with a refined scale that fits comfortably in the palm, intended to lend maximum grace to the fleeting moment of a toast in a diplomatic setting. It is extremely rare for such works, which hold significant historical value and are tied to Japanese political history and traditional crafts, to circulate overseas. This piece transcends its role as a sake vessel, serving as a cultural artifact of the relations between Japan and China in the late 20th century. Bearing the artist’s signature "Tamekichi" on the bottom, it represents a perfected form of modern Kutani-yaki, produced as a commemorative gift for a prime ministerial overseas visit where strict quality and formality were paramount.
- Artist: Mitsui Tamekichi III (born 1935)
- Representative Career: 1961: Succeeded to the title of Mitsui Tamekichi III. 1987: Received the Prime Minister's Award. 1994: Solo exhibition at Switzer Gallery, New York. 1997: Appointed Visiting Professor at Gallaudet University. 2002: Solo exhibition and permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution. 2005: Received the Edward Gallaudet Award. Works in Public Collections: Smithsonian Institution (Washington D.C., USA), Gallaudet University (USA), Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Nomi City Kutani-yaki Museum, and many others.
- Period of Creation: Circa 1984 (The original wooden box states it was prepared for Prime Minister Nakasone’s visit to China in March 1984).
- Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original signed wooden box (Tomobako), with the artist's signature and seal.
- Material: Ceramic (Kutani Ware / Polychrome)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 5.3 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.6 cm
- 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.
