This is a forged copper chrysanthemum-motif Kensui (slop bowl) by Hideaki Tanaka (born 1916, real name Shigeo Tanaka, full member of the Japan Art Crafts Association), a Kyoto metal artist who contributed to the production of tea utensils at the renowned workshop of Nakagawa Jōeki—one of the Senke Jisshoku (Ten Artisans to the Sen Houses of Tea)—and later trained prominent figures including Masatoyo Miyoshi (designated a Living National Treasure for Forged Metalwork) and Gorosaburo Kanaya XV. Having learned traditional techniques under his father, the metalworker Eizo Tanaka, Hideaki Tanaka supported the pinnacle of Kyoto's tea-ceremony metalwork behind the scenes and earned immense acclaim in the field of traditional hammered metalwork (tsuiki), including receiving the Kyoto City Cultural Merit Award in fiscal 1985. In the art of forging metal, which involves hammering and shaping metal plates with incredible precision, Tanaka possessed supreme craftsmanship, creating many works that merged traditional tea-utensil dignity with modern sculptural elegance.
This piece is a forged copper masterpiece that perfectly embodies Tanaka's signature "Mole" (repoussé/hammered relief) technique. By meticulously hammering a single sheet of copper, the entire vessel is raised into a three-dimensional form resembling a large, blooming chrysanthemum blossom. From the outer body to the inner basin, uniform and rich petal undulations create beautiful contrasts of light and shadow. Along the raised band of the rim, elegant auspicious cloud motifs (ruyi cloud patterns) are delicately carved in relief, and the central bottom bears a clear square stamp reading "Hideaki." The innate warmth of the copper, combined with a quiet, antique bronze patina that has deepened over time and the geometric chrysanthemum repoussé, radiates a dignified beauty that conveys the essence of Kyoto metal craftsmanship.
We propose this Kensui, possessing historical metalworking technique and noble sculptural beauty, as an individual ice bowl for chilling aged spirits, premium whisky, or wine, or as a tabletop craft vessel to adorn special spaces in modern lifestyles. The superior thermal conductivity of metal and the heavy presence of forged copper exude commanding prestige on the tabletop when filled with ice and cold water, elevating sophisticated evening drink moments alongside peak art. Individual forged metal vessels by Hideaki Tanaka—embodying the tradition of the Nakagawa Jōeki workshop and the mastery that trained a Living National Treasure—are extremely rare on the market. This masterpiece comes in flawless condition, complete with its original wooden box (Tomobako) bearing the handwritten inscription "Made by Hideaki Tanaka" and artist seal on the lid.
- Artist：Hideaki Tanaka (Birth name Shigeo Tanaka, born 1916)
- Artist's Representative Activity：Studied under his father Eizo Tanaka; Engaged in tea utensil crafting at the Senke Jisshoku "Nakagawa Jōeki" workshop; Selected for the Kyoto Prefectural Craft Exhibition (1958); First selected for Nitten (1962); Exhibited at the 21st Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (1974); Awarded the Kyoto City Cultural Merit Award in FY1985 (as Shigeo Tanaka); Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association. Trained pupils including Masatoyo Miyoshi (Living National Treasure in Forged Metalwork) and Gorosaburo Kanaya XV.
- Period of Production：Mid-to-Late Showa Period (1970s–1980s)
- Condition：Good (no dents, no deformation, excluding age-related character typical of antique art)
- Accessories：Dedicated wooden box (Tomobako) with "Made by Hideaki Tanaka" calligraphic inscription and seal on the lid
- Material：Copper (Forged metal / Tsuiki, chrysanthemum repoussé mole technique, cloud motif relief)
- Dimensions：Height approx. 12.5 cm, Mouth diameter (maximum width) approx. 17.0 cm, Weight Approx. 249 g
- Caution：All products offered by our shop are historical items from an old production period and are listed as antique art / pre-owned items. Products may have subtle changes due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying the nature of antique art.
