Japan Ceramic Society Award Winner, Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元), Black Glazed Platinum Painted Bellows-Structure Pitcher with Twisted Handle, Mizusashi Water Vessel #278

Born as the eldest son of Kozuru Kazan, a prestigious kiln master of Agano ware with approximately 400 years of history in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938–) is a master who was active at the pinnacle of Japanese traditional ceramic art, winning the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for two consecutive years and receiving the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award. This highly original pitcher (mizutsugi / water vessel) is a work by Kozuru Hajime. In 1980, recognized for research achievements in Old Agano ware and exceptional modeling prowess, Kozuru Hajime was invited to the United States as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, where Kozuru Hajime built a kiln in the suburbs of Boston. After moving to the U.S., Kozuru Hajime transcended the boundaries of traditional tea ceramics, developing international contemporary art that fused Western aesthetic forms, geometric shapes, and metallic glazes such as platinum and gold luster. The Roman alphabet mark "HK" incised into the bottom of the piece symbolizing the artist's style, the inscription "Black Glazed Platinum Painted Pitcher" on the original wooden box (Tomobako), along with the expression of the twisted handle and platinum luster, clearly tell that this is an authentic work created around 1985 to 1995 (mid-1980s to early 1990s), coinciding with the period of international exhibitions following Kozuru Hajime's move to Harvard University in 1980.

This work possesses a powerful and commanding presence with dimensions of approximately 18.5 cm in height, 20.0 cm in overall width including the handle, and 16.0 cm in body diameter. The body features the bellows structure (stepped horizontal ridges)—an architectural geometric modeling technique in which Kozuru Hajime excels—creating vivid sculptural light and shadow. The handle extending from the spout adopts a twisted (spiral) structure formed by tightly twisting two clay strands together, splendidly combining Western traditional pouring vessel designs with dynamic clay expression of Japanese ceramics. Over the matte black glaze covering the entire vessel, platinum painting (platinum luster) emitting a dull, heavy silver luster is applied, radiating an overwhelming presence through the chic, deep gradient created by the black and silver tones. Furthermore, the bottom features an octagonal carved base, clearly retaining the incised "HK" mark alongside shell-stacking marks (three spur marks) from high-temperature firing, bearing testimony to the artist's technical mastery and authenticity.

Possessing heavy form and metallic beauty reminiscent of antique silver, our shop proposes this pitcher (mizutsugi) tailored to modern lifestyles as a supreme Japanese Kogei sake vessel (water dispenser / decanter) for enjoying rich aged spirits, whisky, or shochu. The deep texture woven by the black glaze and platinum luster further enhances the beauty of amber-colored aged spirits and matured liquors, bringing the sophistication of dignified modern art to high-end bar counters and dining tables. With works collected in public museums such as the Peabody Museum at Harvard University and the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, this rare masterpiece by Kozuru Hajime represents a high-level realization where traditional craft and modern art intersect, serving as a luxurious craft piece that graces special spaces.

<Artist's Message>

Born out of ceramics, Not merely because of the circumstance of my birth, Just as a white flower blooms naturally from a white flower seed, And a red flower from a red flower seed, Before I realized it, I was sitting in the very heart of ceramic art. And now, I reflect. I want to create something true, To take the beautiful spirit and form created by our ancestors, Make it my own, and live in the present era... Wishing for nothing more than this, I sit amidst the clay again today.

Kozuru Hajime

• Artist: Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元, 1938–)
• Representative 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.
• Production Period: c. 1985–1995 (Period as Visiting Fellow at Harvard University to international expansion period)
• Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
• Accessories: Dedicated original wooden box (Tomobako) included (with artist's calligraphy and red seal), original leaflet included ("Moto-gama")
• Material: Ceramics (Black glaze, platinum painted)
• Dimensions: Width (including handle) approx. 20.0 cm, Depth (body diameter) approx. 16.0 cm, Height approx. 18.5 cm
• 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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