The Nakano Kiln of Karatsu boasts history and prestige, founded during the Ansei era of the Edo period and designated as an official kiln by Lord Ogasawara, the former lord of the Karatsu Domain, from whom it was granted the "Sangai-bishi" (three-tiered diamond) crest as its kiln mark. Born as the eldest son of the first-generation Geirin Nakano, Fourth-Generation Tochi Nakano (1916–2000s) was a master craftsman who perfected his art under his father's guidance in traditional Karatsu techniques and hand-formed clay sculpture. This pair of E-Karatsu (Picture Karatsu) teacups is his creation. Fourth-Generation Tochi is a giant of modern Karatsu ware, publicly acclaimed as a premier authority in ceramic sculpture and fine craftsmanship after completing the restoration of the Statues of the Four Sages at Taku Seibyo, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property, and creating numerous presentation pieces for the Imperial Household, including Emperor Showa, as well as state guests. The lid of the accompanying dedicated paulownia wooden box (tomobako) bears the handwritten calligraphy "E-Karatsu Meoto-Yunomi" (Picture Karatsu Pair of Teacups) on the front, and "Yondai Tochi Zo" (Crafted by Fourth-Generation Tochi) along with his red seal stamp at the bottom left. This piece is identified as an authentic creation produced between the 1970s and 1980s (Showa 40s to 50s), the mature period following his succession to the name Fourth-Generation Tochi, during which he fused ancient Karatsu traditional techniques with dignified sculptural beauty.
Examining the design of this work, a warm, pale feldspar glaze is applied over the rustic, iron-rich clay body characteristic of Karatsu ware. On its surface, using the quintessential E-Karatsu technique of applying "Tessha" (iron oxide pigment), a powerful and energetic circular motif (arc pattern) is dynamically painted. The abstract pattern, rendered with effortless single strokes, presents a modern expression reminiscent of ancient calligraphy or celestial bodies. From the lower portion of the body extending down to the foot ring, the vessel features an unglazed raw clay (rotai) finish, where the flame-induced reddish blushes ("hiiro") form a vivid gradation. Furthermore, on the unglazed area beside the foot ring, the "Sangai-bishi" kiln mark—the mark of an official kiln granted by the Ogasawara family, former lords of Karatsu—is clearly stamped, serving as a special visual highlight that attests to its historical background.
Featuring a smart, cylindrical form that fits comfortably in the hand along with an ideal thickness, our shop proposes this pair of vessels as a dignified "Japanese-style pair of shot glasses (Western liquor vessels)" for enjoying whiskey, spirits, or aged sake neat or neat with a chaser, tailored to modern drinking culture and contemporary lifestyles. The elegant ground of the feldspar glaze, the subtle gradations of the iron painting, and the robust texture of the exposed clay around the foot ring beautifully enhance the amber tones of poured whiskey or the clarity of fine spirits. As a pair of liquor vessels breathing with the prestige of a traditional lord's official kiln and supreme craftsmanship, this masterpiece allows one to savor the true essence of traditional Japanese craft through both sight and touch.
- Artist: Fourth-Generation Tochi Nakano (1916–2000s)
- Artist's Representative Career Highlights: Studied under First-Generation Geirin Nakano. Succeeded as the fourth-generation master of the Nakano Kiln, the official kiln of the former Lord of Karatsu Domain. Completed the restoration project of the Statues of the Four Sages at Taku Seibyo, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property. Produced numerous presentation pieces for the Imperial Household, including Emperor Showa, and state guests.
- Public Collections & Exhibitions: Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Saga Prefectural Museum, creation of the JR Karatsu Station front symbol monument (First Hikiyama: Red Lion), etc.
- Production Period: 1970s–1980s (Showa 40s–Showa 50s)
- Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated paulownia wooden box (Tomobako) included (with calligraphy "E-Karatsu Meoto-Yunomi, Yondai Tochi Zo" and red seal)
- Material: Ceramics (Karatsu clay, feldspar glaze, iron oxide painting)
- Dimensions: Large (Height approx. 9.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.8 cm) / Small (Height approx. 8.2 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.5 cm)
- Note: The items provided by our shop were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm the age-related changes before considering your purchase.
