Japan Ceramic Society Award Winner, Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元), Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glazed Bellows-Structure Mizusashi Water Jar, Covered Ice Bowl #276

Born into a prestigious family of Agano ware with approximately 400 years of history, this extremely historically valuable Mizusashi (water jar) is created by Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938–), a master who was active as a top leader in traditional craft circles, winning consecutive awards at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and receiving the Japan Ceramic Society Award. In 1980, highly acclaimed for research achievements in Old Agano ware and unique, refined modeling prowess, Kozuru traveled to the United States as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University. Immediately after the artist's arrival, on May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington State suffered a catastrophic eruption. Focusing on the volcanic ash that dispersed widely across the eastern North American continent, Kozuru personally collected and refined this natural geological material rich in silicic acid, alumina, and various minerals, independently developing and elevating it into an unprecedented ceramic glaze: "Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glaze." Created in the early 1980s (c. 1980–1985), coinciding with the 1980 eruption and Kozuru's tenure at Harvard University, this piece is a supreme contemporary work in which the earth's geological energy and traditional Japanese ceramic techniques fuse at a high level.

Titled "Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glaze Mizusashi" in the artist's own handwriting on the original wooden box (Tomobako), this work splendidly crystallizes Kozuru's architectural structural beauty and unique geological glazing. On the surface of its commanding, near-spherical form measuring approximately 18.0 cm in width and 18.0 cm in height, multiple horizontal tiers (a bellows-like step structure) are meticulously carved, creating three-dimensional shadows evocative of geological strata and crustal movements. The Mount St. Helens volcanic ash glaze covering the entire work displays a smooth transition from a heavy dark gray that absorbs light to a deep dark brownish-black where minute mineral crystals float, conveying a tranquil texture characteristic of minerals while remaining matte to the touch. From the knob of the matching lid to the precise fit with the body, there is not a single flaw, and trace marks of shell stacking (kaizumi)—evidence of high-temperature firing—remain on the foot ring, demonstrating an exquisite harmony between North American natural phenomena and advanced firing control techniques.

Possessing a commanding form and heavy texture, our shop proposes this piece as a high-end covered ice bowl (luxury ice bucket) tailored to modern lifestyles, enhancing special moments for enjoying Western spirits. The deep matte black texture produced by Mount St. Helens volcanic ash beautifully highlights transparent ice crystals floating in rocks glasses, creating a refined contrast with amber whisky or bourbon. Its structured design with a matching lid and stable 18 cm scale offer outstanding practicality, exuding overwhelming dignity on bar counters and living room tables. Fusing the historical fact of a North American natural phenomenon with traditional Japanese craft, this is an extraordinarily rare authentic piece with few parallels in the world, serving as a supreme craft piece that elegantly graces sophisticated adult spaces.

• Artist: Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938–)
• Career Highlights: [1968, 1969] Received the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the 15th and 16th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibitions (won 2 consecutive years), [1975] Received the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award, [1980] Traveled to the U.S. as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, [1997] Received the 9th Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Award
• Public Collections: Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Tagawa City Museum of Art, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, Forest Hills Park (Boston), etc.
• Date: c. 1980–1985 (Eruption of Mount St. Helens and period as Visiting Fellow at Harvard University)
• Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks). Please regard the crazing that forms in firing, other characteristics of ceramics and the patina of age as part of the pleasure of an antique piece.
• Accompanied by: Dedicated original wooden box (Tomobako) included (with artist's calligraphy and red seal), cloth wrap included
• Medium: Ceramics (Mount St. Helens volcanic ash glaze)
• Dimensions: Width approx. 18.0 cm, Height approx. 18.0 cm
• Please Note: Even if the products provided by our shop are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm that the item may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.
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