The 19th-generation Ogasawara Choshun (real name Kenzo Ogasawara, 1932-), a direct descendant of the official painters and potters who supported the Nabeshima Domain's clan kiln during the Edo period, is the foremost authority on Nabeshima celadon. Born in 1932 in Okawachi-cho, Imari City, Saga Prefecture, his exceptional skills were recognized in 1998 when he was certified as a holder of Nabeshima celadon, an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture. His works are collected and exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the British Museum, establishing an unshakeable reputation in the international art market as the pinnacle of porcelain symbolizing Oriental beauty. The greatest feature of Nabeshima celadon, which the Ogasawara family has preserved, lies in its luxurious use of finely crushed rare natural celadon raw stone, mined only in Okawachiyama, Imari, as its glaze.
This piece embodies many of the technical characteristics for which Ogasawara Choshun is most highly regarded, but behind it lies an extremely difficult production process. What first catches the eye is the deep, moist color reminiscent of jade, but celadon glazes using natural stone are surprisingly sensitive to heat control. Mastering the reduction firing process, which limits oxygen in the kiln, is a formidable task; even a slight error can cause the color to turn a dull brownish-red, losing its original luster. Furthermore, to achieve the unique depth of Nabeshima celadon, the glaze is applied extremely thickly. This highly difficult technique carries a constant risk of the glaze flowing off during firing or cracking during cooling. The way the delicate line-engraved patterns beneath quietly emerge through this thick layer of glaze is truly a "miracle scenery" that can only be achieved by a certified master through strict temperature control and refined sensibility.
Although this piece was created as a teabowl, its form incorporates exceptional ingenuity within the framework of traditional tea utensils. While its dimensions of approximately 11 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter are standard for a deep teabowl, what is particularly noteworthy is its original silhouette, which widens in two tiers from the body to the rim. This tiered shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrates surprising functionality. The calculated two-stage widening dramatically improves finger grip, allowing for a remarkably stable hold with one hand despite its generous size. This unique aesthetic form provides a profound sense of security in the hand when repurposed as a Ceramic Whiskey Tumbler for enjoying aged spirits. Inheriting the spirit of the "secret kilns" that produced items exclusively for presentation to the Shogun's family, Ogasawara Choshun has established a status equivalent to a modern Living National Treasure. His works are rare cultural assets where limited natural resources and extreme skill converge, making them masterpieces worthy of adorning a luxurious evening drink.
- Artist: 19th-generation Ogasawara Choshun, Kenzo Ogasawara (1932-)
- Artist's Major Career Highlights: [1951] Began pottery production, [1982] Received Saga Prefecture Art and Culture Contribution Award, [1993] Regional Culture Contributor Award (Minister of Education Award), [1998] Certified as a holder of Nabeshima Celadon, an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture, [2003] Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays
- Works in Collections: The British Museum (London), Embassy of Japan in the UK (London), Imperial Household Agency (record of presentation), Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Saga Prefectural Art Museum, Imari City Ceramic Museum, etc.
- Period of Production: After 1998 (Estimated to be during his mature period, after being certified as an Important Intangible Cultural Property)
- Condition: Excellent (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original wooden box (Tomobako), Pamphlet
- Material: Porcelain (Nabeshima Celadon)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 11.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 10.0 cm
- Note: All products offered by our shop, even if unused, are very old productions and are listed as used items. Products may have age-related damage, so please understand and confirm this before purchasing.
