Ash-glazed sake cup by Nishihata Tadashi

Height: 6.6cm Width: 6.8cm Depth: 6.8cm

The ash-glazed sake cup is a work that has the beauty of modern, sophisticated glazed pottery while respecting the traditions of Tamba ware. The ash glaze, which is made from glazes made from plant ashes, is applied in different ways, and the harmony of these glazes captures the hearts of those who see them.

Characteristics and beauty of ash glaze

Ash glaze is a glaze made from the ashes of plants and trees, and is broadly divided into three types: tussock ash, earth ash, and straw ash. Tussock ash is made from the bark of oak and chestnut trees and produces a pale blue glaze, earth ash is a pale blue-green, and straw ash is a milky white glaze. On this sake cup, each type of ash glaze is beautifully applied in different ways, creating a beautiful color contrast.

The tradition of Tamba ware and the history of glazed pottery

Tamba ware is generally recognized as a traditional Yakishime pottery, but in fact, it also has a history of glazed pottery since the early Edo period. In the early Edo period, excellent tea pottery that accepted the tastes of Kobori Enshu was fired, and this work continues that tradition. It is a sophisticated piece that combines the traditions of Tamba ware with modern techniques.

The harmony of different glazes

The greatest feature of this sake cup is the beauty of the different ash glazes applied. It is not an ostentatious display of technique, but rather has a modest yet somehow captivating beauty that is its charm. The pale blue, pale blue-green, and milky white of the ash glaze harmonize with each other, giving the viewer a calming impression.

Good take-home pay

Attention to detail has been paid to the piece. The weight is very reasonable for this type of vessel, and it feels comfortable to use. While modern crafts are deviating from the idea of ​​"use is beauty," this piece firmly adheres to that idea and has a calm beauty.

Craftsmanship and artistry

The Ash Glaze Kakebun Sake Cup is a work that brings together Nishibata-san's outstanding technique and artistry. The firing technique that makes full use of the ash glaze application technique and brings out the beauty of the cup to the fullest is the result of the artisan's many years of experience and hard work. When you hold it in your hand, you will be able to feel both the tradition and innovation of Tamba ware at the same time.

Create a special moment

This sake cup will make your tea ceremony and mealtime even more special. Its calm beauty and practicality will bring a special atmosphere to your dining table or tea ceremony, giving you a sense of comfortable satisfaction. You will be captivated by its beauty and functionality every time you use it.

Lasting Value

The ash-glazed sake cup will continue to retain its beauty even over time. The more you use it, the more its texture will improve, and you will gradually grow to love it more and more. It is sure to become a treasured item that you can use for a long time.

This ash-glazed sake cup is a supreme work of art that perfectly combines the traditions of Tamba ware with modern techniques. Its calm beauty and presence will make your tea ceremony moment special. It also combines beauty as an object with practicality, allowing you to enjoy its charm in any situation.

Masashi Nishibata Biography

Born on February 24, 1948. Started making pottery in 1969. 1976. Hyogo Prefectural Exhibition Encouragement Award. 1986. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition for the first time. 1988. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japan Crafts Association President's Award. 1989. Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Handon no Kai, Nogawa Memorial Award. 1991. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition. 1992. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition, Excellence Award, Hyogo Prefecture Emerging Artist Encouragement Award. Invited to exhibit at the NHK-sponsored Paris-Japanese Ceramics Now 100 Selections, Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition. 1993. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Solo Exhibition at Sogo Hiroshima Store, Kyoto Chemin. 1994. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Solo Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. 1995. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Solo Exhibition at Sogo Hiroshima Store. 1996. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Awarded the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
1997 Encouragement Award at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition 1998 Selected for the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Selected for the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2000 Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Fukuoka 2001 Selected for the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition at Gallery Dojima 2002 Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Solo exhibition at Gallery Dojima 2003 Solo exhibition at Santa Fe Touchingston, USA 2004 Father and son exhibition at Sogo Hiroshima store Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition 2005 Exhibited at Akashi City Museum of Culture and Hyogo Ceramics Exhibition Purchased Akadobedai, Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum Solo exhibition at Gallery Dojima Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi 2006 Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition Selected for the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Japan Society Gallery of New York Solo exhibition at Takashimaya Yokohama Touchingston, USA Father and son exhibition at Takashimaya Matsuyama 2007 Toshun-kai Exhibition, Sogo Yokohama Encouragement Award at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition Selected for the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2008 Selected for the Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition Solo Exhibition, Yokohama Takashimaya Mitsukoshi Main Store, Santa Fe, Touchingston, USA Toshun-kai Exhibition, Funabashi Seibu Sogo Hiroshima Invited to exhibit at the Japanese Ceramics Exhibition 2009 Solo Exhibition, Gallery Dojima, Sendai Mitsukoshi 2010 Sogo Kobe Exhibited at the Musee Tomo Grand Prize Exhibition, Contemporary Tea Solo Exhibition, Yokohama Takashimaya Touchingston, USA, Santa Fe, 2011 Invited to exhibit at the Japanese Ceramics Exhibition Solo Exhibition, Joan B. Marvis, New York, USA Invited to exhibit at the Japanese Ceramics Exhibition 2013 Exhibited at the Musee Tomo "Contemporary Famous Bowls" Solo Exhibition, Mitsukoshi Main Store, Santa Fe, USA Miyazaki Gallery, Sogo Kobe Chiba Sogo 2014 Solo Exhibition Solo Exhibition, Mitsukoshi Main Store, Santa Fe, USA 2015 Received the Hyogo Prefecture Cultural Award in 2016. Exhibited at Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art for Ceramics that Color Our Lives - Food Wares. Exhibited at Joan B. Marvis' 40th Anniversary Exhibition in 2017, New York, USA.
Solo Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in 2018