This artistic water dropper is the work of 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi (real name Tsuneshige Tsuji, 1909-2007), the head of the prestigious Tsuji Hitachi family. This lineage inherited the unique official title of Hitachi-no-suke in the history of Arita ware and was the first in the ceramic world to be appointed as a Purveyor to the Imperial Household Ministry (now the Imperial Household Agency) during the Meiji era. The 14th Generation head had an unusual background for a ceramic artist, having graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts). His masterful modeling skills brought a three-dimensional sculptural beauty to his works that transcends the boundaries of mere vessels. He elevated the traditional techniques of Kinri Goyo (items for the Imperial Family), which had continued since the Edo period, into the modern era, and for his achievements, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette (Fourth Class). His works are permanently preserved in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum and the National Crafts Museum.
In this work, the fukizumi (blown ink) technique, the most highly acclaimed technical feature of the 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi, and the three-dimensional modeling unique to a sculptor are perfectly fused. Fukizumi is a secret technique unique to the Tsuji family, in which gosu (blue pigment) is sprayed in a fine mist to express the haze of the night sky and deep gradations. The delicate blue particles seen on the surface of this work represent the pinnacle of this technique. Furthermore, its form, which depicts an auspicious bird reminiscent of a phoenix, is composed of flowing curves without any waste, boasting a sculptural perfection that conveys a sense of vital dynamism despite the hard material of porcelain. This contrast between the pure white porcelain, from which impurities have been removed to the utmost limit, and the deep, clear gosu is the authentic aesthetic of Tsuji Hitachi, which has been cherished by the Imperial Family for over 300 years.
Although this water dropper was originally created as a calligraphy tool, its dignified presence and functionality make it an unparalleled high-end whisky dropper (water dispenser) for allowing the aroma of aged spirits or whisky to bloom in the modern day. The precise drop falling from the phoenix's beak possesses a dignity befitting the moment when a magical change is brought to the amber liquid during whisky tasting. Since the passing of the 14th Generation head, original works in the market—especially water droppers with such outstanding modeling—have become extremely rare. It can be described as the ultimate tool for savoring aged spirits as a consumable cultural heritage that embodies the national dignity of Japan.
- Artist: 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi (Real name: Tsuneshige Tsuji, 1909-2007)
- Artist's Major Career Highlights: [1933] Graduated from the Sculpture Department, Tokyo School of Fine Arts, [1981] Received the Saga Prefecture Cultural Merit Award, [1983] Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, [1988] Produced porcelain for Emperor Showa's 80th birthday (Kanshu)
- Works in Collections: The British Museum (London), Embassy of Japan in the UK, Imperial Household Agency (numerous Imperial treasures), National Crafts Museum (Tokyo), Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum, etc.
- Production Period: Early 1990s (Estimated to be from his mature period / late-career work)
- Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original wooden box (with signature and seal of Imperial Household Agency Purveyor, 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi), wrapping cloth
- Material: Porcelain (Arita ware, pure white porcelain)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 4.0cm, Width approx. 3.5cm, Total length approx. 9.0cm
- Note: All products offered by our store, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used items. The product may have damage due to age, so please understand and confirm this before considering purchase.
