Tanba Natural Glazed Sake Bottle by Tadashi Nishibata

Width: 8.6cm Depth: 8.4cm Height: 16.0cm

Introduction

The "Tamba Natural Glaze Tokkuri Nishihata Masayo" is a work that beautifully combines the traditions of Tamba Tachikui ware with the unique beauty of nature. The natural glaze caused by the "ash covering" characteristic of Tamba ware gives this tokkuri a unique pattern and texture, evoking deep emotions in the viewer. The patterns created by the power of nature are all unique, and every time you pick it up, you will feel its unique beauty.

History and Techniques of Tamba-yaki

Tamba Tachikui ware is pottery that has been fired mainly in Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, and its history dates back more than 800 years. Counted as one of the Six Ancient Kilns, Tamba ware is characterized by its simple yet powerful beauty. In particular, the firing method using a "climbing kiln" and the natural glaze created by the "ash covering" technique give this pottery a unique look. Natural glaze is a technique in which wood ash accumulates on the vessel during firing, causing a chemical reaction that produces deep green and auburn hues.

Natural glaze and "Tamba natural glaze sake bottle"

This piece is one of the most striking examples of Tamba ware, with its beautiful natural glaze. During firing in a climbing kiln, wood ash accumulates on the vessel, reacting with the iron to create unique colors and patterns. The glaze formed naturally during the firing process gives this tokkuri an elegant appearance, like a landscape painting. The glaze pattern that spreads across the entire tokkuri changes appearance at times, sometimes powerful and sometimes gentle, as if the power of nature itself had been engraved into the vessel.

Value as a vase

This tokkuri is not only a practical item, but is also highly regarded as a piece of contemporary art. Although it is made using traditional techniques, the unpredictable beauty created by nature makes it a true work of art. This tokkuri has a unique presence in the space it is placed in and deeply moves the viewer, beautifully combining the simple charm of Tamba Tachikui ware with the beauty of art created by nature.

Harmony between craftsmanship and nature

This "Tamba Natural Glazed Tokkuri" by Nishibata Tadashi is a work that perfectly harmonizes skilled techniques with the power of nature. This tokkuri was created by combining the techniques of a pottery craftsman with the traditional firing method of a climbing kiln, and adding the unexpected beauty of nature. This work, which can be said to be a collaboration with nature rather than an artificial creation, is the result of many years of experience and skill.

Beauty that deepens with time

The more the "Tamba Natural Glaze Tokkuri" is used, the deeper its texture will become. The soft colors and patterns of the natural glaze will gain more flavor over time, and it will grow with the user. This tokkuri, which shows a new expression with each use, is more than just a vessel; it is a work of art that changes over time and can become more beloved. This piece makes the most of the history and tradition of Tamba Tachikui ware, as well as the power of nature. This tokkuri, which has the functional beauty of pottery while also having the aesthetic value of modern art, will continue to deeply move those who use it and those who see it. Its unique beauty is truly a collaboration with nature, and fully expresses the charm of Tamba ware.

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