We present the work of Kenji Hotta (1951-2017), a traditional craftsman who, while building upon the traditional "shudei" (red clay) techniques of Tokoname ware, pioneered the modern and contemporary world of "nerikomi" (marbled clay). This piece, created after he established "Kenji Toen" in 1974, is a prime example of his signature retro-modern contemporary craft, where he controlled the properties of clay with his unique self-taught skills, fusing beautiful marble patterns with three-dimensional cutwork.
The Depths of Technique: Constructing Layered Clay and the Rhythm of Three-Dimensional Cuts
The core of Kenji Hotta's work lies in the "nerikomi" (or "neriage") technique, where he layers clays of different colors and then throws them on a potter's wheel to create patterns resembling natural strata or wood grain. The flowing marble patterns seen on the surface of this piece are not merely surface decoration; they demonstrate that the vessel's thickness itself is an accumulation of different clays. Furthermore, Kenji Hotta perfected his unique design by meticulously hand-carving the surface of these nerikomi patterns, a technique called "polka dot cut" (or "carved work"), creating a visually and musically rhythmic interplay of geometric patterns and three-dimensional shadows.
Challenging Physical Limits: Harmonizing the Shrinkage Rates of Different Clays
The reason this technique is lauded as a highly advanced ceramic craft lies in the immense risk involved in combining multiple clays with different properties and shrinkage rates. Typically, clays of different colors have different compositions, so even a slight miscalculation during the drying or firing process can lead to fatal cracks (kire) or breakage at the joints. Based on his rigorous clay management and experience as an outstanding traditional craftsman, firing a layered structure with countless interfaces like this piece without distortion at high temperatures is an extremely difficult feat. The fact that the intricate geometric patterns and cuts are perfectly maintained from the rim to the foot, without any flaws, eloquently speaks to his high level of technical sophistication.
Form and Function: Pure Form and Tactility through Unglazed Firing
This piece is finished with "muyuyakishime" (unglazed firing), where it is fired at high temperatures without any glaze. With a refined silhouette, approximately 6.0 cm in diameter and 8.0 cm in height, it directly conveys the fine and high-quality texture of the clay, exuding a pleasing, matte tension that feels as if it adheres to the palm. Precisely because there is no vitreous coating, the oils from your hands will permeate the surface with use, and over time, it will develop an alluring luster and color (aging), embodying the "beauty of use" as a craft that "grows" with you.
An Intellectual Tasting Experience for Aged Sake and Whisky
Our store proposes this piece, originally created as a teacup or free cup, as a Ceramic Whiskey Tumbler for savoring amber-colored aged sake or matured Japanese whisky. As you pour the liquid, gently appreciating the smooth clay surface with your fingertips, the hidden nerikomi patterns within the vessel and the amber hues of the liquor, created by the passage of time, quietly resonate with each other. This offering, consisting solely of the main body without accessories, thus allows you to effortlessly incorporate the pinnacle of the artist's technique into your daily life and enjoy the essential pleasure of craft by directly experiencing top-tier craftsmanship in your hands.
- Artist: Kenji Hotta (1951-2017)
- Artist's Key Career Highlights: [1974] Established Kenji Toen. Certified Traditional Craftsman for "Tokoname Ware," a nationally designated traditional craft. [1998] Awarded Encouragement Prize at the Choza Award Ceramics Exhibition (also selected 5 times at the same exhibition). [2001, 2002, 2004] Selected for the Tokyo Dome Tableware Grand Prix. [2002, 2004] Selected for the Kanazu Creation Forest "Sake no Utsuwa" (Sake Vessels) Exhibition. Selected for the Itami International Craft Exhibition. Selected and exhibited/sold as an official original product at "INAX Live Museum" in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. Passed away in 2017. His son, Takumi, now carries on his techniques.
- Production Period: 1990s-2010s (estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: None
- Material: Ceramic (Tokoname Ware, Nerikomi)
- Dimensions: Approximately 6.0 cm diameter, 8.0 cm height
- Note: All items provided by our store, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used. Items may have damage due to age; please understand and confirm before considering purchase.
