Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition Selected Artist, Japan Art Crafts Association Associate Member, Nakamura Hidekazu (中村秀和), Celadon Tenmoku Bowl with Multi-Layered Ice-Crackle Craquelure, Japanese-Style Rocks Glass #436

This "Celadon Tenmoku Bowl" (Seiji Tenmoku Wan) is created by Nakamura Hidekazu (中村秀和, 1968–), a ceramic artist active on the front lines of contemporary Japanese craft, based in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, as an associate member of the Japan Art Crafts Association and a member of the Japan Ceramic Art Association. After completing studies at the Ibaraki Ceramic Technology Center in 1994, Nakamura Hidekazu studied under the ceramic artist Koji Arata and established an independent kiln in 1998. The artist has been selected for Japan's premier public exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the Eastern Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the Tobiten Exhibition, and the Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition. In 2021, a solo exhibition titled "Fascinated by Celadon" was held at the Honma Museum of Art in Sakata City, earning high acclaim for Nakamura's sophisticated celadon technique. The dedicated wooden box (Tomobako) accompanying the work features the artist's own calligraphy reading "Seiji Tenmoku Wan" with a red seal, and together with the "Hidekazu" (秀和) stamp on the foot ring and the perfection of the multi-layered ice-crackle craquelure, it is identified as a precious authentic work created during Nakamura's mature period around 2015 to 2022, when Nakamura mastered the fusion of red-clay celadon and Tenmoku forms.

Based on the classic Tenmoku shape (Tenmoku-nari) from the Song Dynasty of China, which has been prized in the Japanese tea ceremony since ancient times, this work represents a magnificent sublimation of Nakamura Hidekazu's signature technique: "Celadon using red clay (terracotta clay)." While general celadon is made sharply using white porcelain clay, this work deliberately employs terracotta clay (red clay) for the body, instilling the soft warmth unique to earthenware into the dignified beauty of celadon. Beneath the celadon glaze that covers the entire inner and outer surfaces, thick, multi-layered craquelure (ice-crackle patterns) is densely carved. When catching light, it creates geometric light refractions deep within the translucent jade green hue. Combining materials with different thermal expansion rates, such as terracotta clay and celadon glaze, to elicit delicate, three-dimensional craquelure as intended without peeling or cracking requires extremely sophisticated glaze formulation and precise kiln firing and cooling control. The foot ring retains the unglazed terracotta clay body (rotai), showcasing a marvelous harmony between the refined Tenmoku silhouette and the rustic clay texture.

Measuring approximately 11.3 cm in diameter and 6.8 cm in height, an exquisite scale that fits comfortably in the palm of one's hand, our shop proposes this Tenmoku bowl tailored to modern lifestyles as a supreme Japanese Kogei sake vessel (rocks glass / large sake cup) for enjoying rich aged spirits, matured sake, or whisky. When filled with amber-colored aged sake or transparent ice, the deep celadon green and the multi-layered craquelure reflecting light create a mystical expression within the glass, elegantly enhancing the drinking experience. Fusing the dignity of a traditional Tenmoku tea bowl with the refined aesthetics of modern craft, this is a supreme craft piece that satisfies the five senses in special spaces.

• Artist: Nakamura Hidekazu (中村秀和, 1968–)
• Career Highlights: [1994] Completed studies at Ibaraki Ceramic Technology Center, studied under ceramic artist Koji Arata, [1998] Established independent kiln in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, [2021] Held solo exhibition "Fascinated by Celadon" at Honma Museum of Art; Selected for Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, Eastern Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, Tobiten Exhibition, Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition; Associate Member of Japan Art Crafts Association, Member of Japan Ceramic Art Association
• Public Collections: Honma Museum of Art (special exhibitions / solo exhibitions), Matsuya Ginza, Tobu Ikebukuro, etc.
• Date: c. 2015–2022 (Mature period of Celadon Tenmoku forms)
• 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), Sanada-himo cord included
• Medium: Ceramics (terracotta clay body, celadon glaze, multi-layered ice-crackle craquelure)
• Dimensions: Diameter approx. 11.3 cm, Height approx. 6.8 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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