This is an Arita ware Seihakuji (pale blue celadon) hexagonal stemmed cup crafted by Hajime Tanaka (1933–2002, who later changed his art name to Ikkō Tanaka) of Ichii Kiln in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture. He served as a full member of the Japan Art Crafts Association and an associate of Nitten, winning the grand Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition. After refining his porcelain techniques at a factory in Arita, Tanaka established Ichii Kiln in Ureshino in 1965. While inheriting traditional Hizen porcelain techniques, he highly integrated modern craft design sensibilities, earning repeated selections in the Good Design Exhibition and Japan New Craft Exhibition in 1968. Takeshi Nagatake, a leading art critic and authority in Kyushu ceramics, praised his outstanding sense of form and dedicated passion for pottery. Notably, this piece is an authentic creation from the period under the name "Hajime Tanaka," when his creative passion reached its peak prior to changing his name to "Ikkō Tanaka" in 1981.
This piece is a hexagonal stemmed cup that brilliantly sublimates the technique of "Seihakuji Faceting and Carved Patterns" (Seihakuji Mentori Chō-monyō), explicitly documented as the artist's hallmark in the accompanying leaflet. From the tightened stem section up to the widely opening hexagonal cup body, wave-like faceting and geometric carved patterns are applied under precise calculation. By applying a transparent pale blue celadon glaze containing delicate blue hues, the glaze pools beautifully along the sharp edges and carved recesses executed by carving tools, creating a striking contrast between crisp structural lines and soft light gradations. On the underside of the high foot ring, a handwritten mark in cobalt blue pigment (gosu) is present, embodying a tension of handcrafted mastery and dignified elegance distinct from mass-produced wares.
We propose this stemmed cup, combining high artistic acclaim with modern design aesthetics, as a refined Japanese Kogei sake vessel for savoring aged spirits, premium whisky, or chilled sake, gracefully adapting it to a sophisticated contemporary lifestyle. The slender, elegant high-stem structure fits comfortably in the hand, and the amber or clear tones of spirits poured into the cup reflect beautifully against the serene blue of the Seihakuji glaze, elevating special evening drinks into a more luxurious moment. Created during the "Hajime Tanaka" era (1968–1976) before he later assumed the name "Ikkō Tanaka" and solidified his reputation at the Living National Treasure level, this piece remains in exceptionally rare condition, complete with its original wooden box (Tomobako)—bearing handwritten calligraphy and red seals for Arita Ware and Seihakuji Hexagonal Stemmed Cup on the lid—as well as the explanatory studio leaflet dated 1976.
- Artist：Hajime Tanaka (later changed name to Ikkō Tanaka, 1933–2002)
- Artist's Representative Activity：[1965] Established Ichii Kiln in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, [1968] Selected for the Good Design Exhibition and Japan New Craft Exhibition, [Before 1976] Awarded the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award (Grand Prize) at the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition, Awarded the Modern Crafts Exhibition Commemorative Award, 11 selections at Nitten (eventually 17 total selections; Nitten Associate), Received the Member Award at the Japan New Craft Exhibition, Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association
- Works in Collection / Evaluation：Evaluated by art critic Takeshi Nagatake; Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association; Member of Nitten; Director of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Artists Association
- Period of Production：1968–1976 (Showa 43–Showa 51, Period under the name "Hajime Tanaka")
- Condition：Very good (no chips, no cracks, excluding age-related character typical of antique art)
- Accessories：Dedicated wooden box (Tomobako) with "Arita Ware" red seal, "Seihakuji Hexagonal Stemmed Cup" and "Ichii Kiln" calligraphic inscription with seal on the lid; explanatory leaflet (Shiori) included
- Material：Porcelain (Seihakuji / Pale blue celadon glaze, carved patterns, faceted mentori)
- Dimensions：Height approx. 7.5 cm, Mouth diameter (width) approx. 6.0 cm
- 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.
