This elegant Hagi ware tea bowl is crafted by Shosai Nagahisa (born 1937, kiln name: Toshoan), a traditional craftsman born in Minami-Furohagi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1937, who underwent years of rigorous training as a direct apprentice under master Shuen Yoshida of the prestigious Gyokuryuzan Hagi pottery house. After building his independent kiln in Tamae, Hagi City in 1972, he constructed an authentic three-chamber noborigama (climbing kiln) named "Toshoan" in Oya-Kosako, Hagi City in 1986, pursuing passionate ceramic creation unique to wood-fired kilns. His body of work, combining the dignified tea aesthetic directly passed down from master Shuen Yoshida with the flame drama of his own climbing kiln, is highly praised by traditional tea utensil connoisseurs. We offer this supreme craft piece, condensing Japanese traditional beauty and handcrafted warmth, to the global market not only as tea ceremony pottery for enjoying matcha, but also as a vintage premium sake vessel (Japanese rocks glass) designed for slowly savoring aged amber sake or premium Japanese whisky over large ice cubes.
Examining the details of this work confirms that Nagahisa’s proud traditional techniques and the charm of noborigama kiln firing are clearly manifested across the vessel. The form boasts a plump, rounded, inviting shape that fits comfortably in hand, directly conveying the warmth and soft texture inherent in Daido clay—the unique raw material of Hagi ware—when held. Regarding glazing, a milky-white Shiro-Hagi glaze made primarily from rice-straw ash is generously applied, with a dense and refined network of kannyu (crackle marks) spreading across the entire surface. Beneath the glaze, subtle gradations of kakisai (persimmon-tinted) reddish-orange fire marks (hiiro) and deep soot-like scorched tones born from oxidation-reduction reactions during firing show through, creating a magnificent contrast with the soft milky-white Shiro-Hagi glaze. From the dynamic scenery of white glaze dripping and pooling near the rim down to the powerful sculptural beauty of the warikodai (split foot ring) and the stamped "Satsu" (勝) seal beside the foot, master craftsmanship is condensed throughout. Within the interior base (mikomi), the Shiro-Hagi crackle and reddish fire marks spread out, allowing you to enjoy a profound Japanese landscape when floating spirits or ice.
On the lid of the accompanying dedicated wooden box, the characters "Shuku Koki" (Celebrating 70th Birthday) are written in dignified gold powder (kindei). "Koki" (also written Koki / 古稀) refers to the 70th birthday celebration in traditional East Asian counting age (kazoe-doshi), derived from the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu's line: "From ancient times, reaching seventy years of age has been rare." Born in 1937, Shosai Nagahisa reached his milestone 70th year in 2006, clearly substantiating that this work is a celebratory commemorative piece specially crafted for this memorable occasion. Based on these clear historical facts and box inscriptions, the period of production for this work is identified as circa 2005 to 2007 (around 2006). The vessel itself has no chips or cracks and remains in beautiful condition, arriving as a highly precious masterpiece accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako featuring the artist's own handwritten inscription.
- Artist：Shosai Nagahisa (born 1937, kiln name: Toshoan)
- Artist's Key Activities：[1937] Born in Minami-Furohagi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture; [1965] Entered the apprenticeship under Gyokuryuzan Shuen Yoshida as a direct student; [1972] Built his kiln in Tamae, Hagi City and established independence; [1986] Constructed the three-chamber noborigama climbing kiln "Toshoan" in Oya-Kosako, Hagi City
- Period of Production：Circa 2005–2007 (around 2006, 70th birthday commemorative work)
- Condition：Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories：Dedicated Tomobako (with gold powder "Shuku Koki" inscription on lid)
- Material：Stoneware (Hagi ware, Shiro-Hagi white glaze, Biwa glaze, kannyu crackle glaze, Daido clay, warikodai split foot ring, stamped seal)
- Dimensions：Height approx. 9.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 12.5 cm
- Caution：All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
