Painted gray glaze water finger Nobuto Nakaoka

Height: 16.8cm Width: 20.0cm

Colored Ash Glazed Water Jar by Nobuto Nakaoka - Supreme Beauty Born from the Fusion of Nature and Skill

The trajectory of ceramic artist Nobuto Nakaoka

Driven by his passion for pottery, Nakaoka Nobuto began his training in Tamba, and after six years of training, he developed a deeper curiosity and began researching glazes at the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute. He then taught pottery overseas as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, opening up new possibilities for pottery in a different culture. In 2006, he went independent in Tatekui, Sasayama City, and continues to create works driven by his belief that "I want to create beautiful, functional objects that cherish the beauty of form and color."

Nakaoka's works reflect his technique and sensibility as a master glaze craftsman, and their beauty is a perfect blend of natural scenery and artistry. The "Colored Ash Glaze" series in particular is attractive for the complex expressions created by the flow and color of the glaze, and is loved by many as a masterpiece whose texture deepens the more it is used.

The appeal of colored ash-glazed water jars

Complex and beautiful glaze expression

The colored ash-glazed water jars are characterized by the accidental beauty that is created by the temperature during firing and the environment inside the kiln. The deep hues of indigo and ink create subtle gradations, and the subtle blending of yellow and white creates a glaze landscape that resembles an abstract painting by nature. The flow of the glaze and the intricate patterns are the result of Nakaoka's unique skills, which are a testament to his expertise in glaze research, and they breathe life into the pieces.

Harmony with nature and the spirit of Zen

The colored ash-glazed water jar evokes a sense of harmony with nature through its color and shape. The glaze patterns that appear on the water jar's surface are reminiscent of the magnificent landscapes of nature, such as mountains, seas of clouds, and starry skies. Through this piece, the user can feel the breath of nature and calm their mind. Furthermore, its intricate beauty is imbued with the Zen spirit, embodying the beauty of impermanence in the tea ceremony.

Fusion of modern art and Japanese culture

This water jar has a simple, universal spherical shape, yet its sophisticated design evokes the essence of contemporary art. The white glaze with a hint of yellow is the result of a fusion of traditional Japanese beauty and modern sensibilities. The design shows a new expression from every angle, making it an ideal piece of art that not only adds color to your tea ceremony, but can also be enjoyed as a piece of art.

Master craftsmanship and attention to detail

Nakaoka Nobuhito's work shines with his outstanding technique and meticulous attention to detail. This water jar, too, is a product of meticulous calculations, from the blending of the glaze to the firing, and is completed through the skill of a craftsman. The design, which makes use of the flow of the glaze, is unique in every piece, giving each one a unique presence.

Make your tea ceremony experience special

The colored ash-glazed water jar makes your tea ceremony even more special. The beautiful appearance of the glaze brings a special atmosphere to your tea ceremony, creating a meditative moment. At a tea ceremony, the presence of this water jar goes beyond its function as a tea utensil and enriches the entire space.

Lasting value and beauty

The colored ash-glazed water jar will develop a unique character over time, fostering a special bond with its user. It is a masterpiece that can be cherished for a lifetime and handed down to future generations, and is a valuable piece. Its serene yet powerful beauty will make it an irreplaceable possession for those who love the tea ceremony. We encourage you to pick up a "Colored Ash-glazed Water Jar by Nakaoka Nobuto" and enjoy its profound beauty and usability. The special moments this piece brings will enrich your life.

Nobuhito Nakaoka Biography

1977 Born in Osaka
1996 After graduating from high school, he studied under Tanba ware artist "Nishibata Tadashi"
2001 Graduated from Kyoto City Industrial Research Institute, Department of Ceramics
2003: Assigned to Saint Vincent as a ceramics volunteer with the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
2005 Term ends, return to Japan
2006 Became independent in Tachikui, Sasayama City

Selected Works
2010 Selected for the Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramics
2011 Kobe Biennale 2011 Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition Selected
2012 Selected for the 29th Tanabe Museum Grand Prize Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020)
Selected for the Itami International Craft Exhibition Sake Ware and Sake Cup Stand
2013 30th Tanabe Museum Grand Prize, Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition, Excellence Award Kobe Biennale 2013, Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition, Runner-up Prize 31st Chozo Prize Tokoname Ceramic Art Exhibition, Selected, Contemporary Ceramic Art Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition III, Honorable Mention
2014 10th International Ceramics Exhibition Mino, International Ceramics Competition, Selected
2015 Kobe Biennale 2015 Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition Selected 32nd Chozo Prize Tokoname Ceramic Art Exhibition Selected
2017 Selected for the 10th Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition
2018 Japan Ceramic Association Encouragement Award Kansai Exhibition Selected
2019 Selected for the 12th Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition
Selected for the 25th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Contemporary Ceramic Art Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition V, Excellence Award
2020 13th Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition Selected
2021 Kasama Ceramic Art Grand Prize Exhibition Selected

Exhibition
2009 Kobe Art Marche (until 2015)
2010 Kobe Sogo Group Kiln Exhibition
2011 Toyoda Midsummer Cold Sake Cup Exhibition (2012 2013)
Art Salon Yamaki, Tanba-yaki "Group Kiln" Three-person Exhibition, Hanshin Umeda Main Store, New Artist Ceramics Exhibition 2012, Gallery Voice, Bowl Shape Sake Ware Toyoda Solo Exhibition, Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store, Tanba Young Artists Three-person Exhibition, Seibu Shibuya Store, Solo Exhibition, Kobe Sogo, Group Kiln Exhibition, Ie soleil et la lune, Nakaoka Nobuto Ceramic Exhibition
2013 Solo exhibition at Toyoda Sake Ware Wad "My Cup Clothes Exhibition" Group exhibition Solo exhibition at Art Salon Yamaki
2014 Kobe Sogo Group Kiln Exhibition Identity & Originarity ~ Contemporary Ceramics New Collection Exhibition ~ Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum Kochi Daimaru 4-person exhibition
decoplay (Taiwan) 3-person exhibition at Seibu Shibuya store ~En~
Art Salon Yamaki Solo Exhibition
2015 Ritz-Carlton Osaka Group Exhibition Toyoda Sake Ware Solo Exhibition Torin Shungama 3-person Exhibition Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store Solo Exhibition Tosei Nagaoka Store Group Exhibition Lesoleil et la lune Solo Exhibition Deco play (Taiwan) Group Exhibition Takashimaya Yokohama Store Group Exhibition
2016 Contemporary Art - Life & Art - "Ceramics that add color to our lives, tableware" Higashihiroshima Municipal Museum of Art Hankyu Umeda Solo Exhibition "Nobuhito Nakaoka's 10th Anniversary Exhibition"
MIZEN FINE ART Tea Ceremony Exhibition (France)
Kakiden Gallery "TANBA: Tea Ceremony Exhibition by 10 Artists"
"Rencontre: Intersecting Contemporary Ceramic Art Collection" The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo Invited to exhibit at the TEA BOUL Exhibition of Gyeongsangnam-Do (Korea)
2017 Gallery Voice "Current Tableware, Future Tableware"
REVELATION Art Fair 2017 at the Grand Parisi (France)
Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Solo Exhibition Kakiden Gallery "Four Ideas Pottery Exhibition"
2018 Deco play (Taiwan) Solo Exhibition at Hankyu Umeda Main Store Solo Exhibition at Kakiden Gallery Tamba Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store "Feature on Tea Bowls by Contemporary Artists"
Nagoya Sakae Mitsukoshi Solo Exhibition
2019 Ginza Mitsukoshi Tea Ceramic Two-Person Exhibition, Sake Ware Toyoda Solo Exhibition (Kyoto)
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store "Feature on Tea Bowls by Contemporary Artists"
2020 Solo Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store "Ultramarine and Lyricism"
2021 Solo Exhibition at Hankyu Umeda Main Store Solo Exhibition at Fukuoka Mitsukoshi
2022 Contemporary Ceramics Hagi Grand Prize VI Selected

2023 Solo Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store "Exploring Form"

2024 Solo exhibition at Fukuoka Mitsukoshi, solo exhibition at Kyoto Takashimaya

Public Collections, Hyogo Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum, Tanabe Museum of Art, Yamaguchi Prefectural Hagi Museum of Art