Blue and white Kochi Wave Back Flat Sake Cup by Miyagawa Kosai

Height: 3.0cm Width: 9.5cm

The "Sometsuke Koshi Namiura Hirasakazu" is a work that showcases the beautiful techniques of Makuzu ware by Miyagawa Kosai. This flat sake cup is decorated with the wave pattern of Hokusai's "Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa" using the sometsuke technique. Of particular note is the way the waves appear to sway when sake is poured into it, beautifully expressing the contrast between movement and stillness. The dynamic movement of the waves seems to come alive within the sake cup, making it a piece that can be enjoyed both visually and sensorially.

Blue and white porcelain techniques

Sometsuke is a technique in which a pattern is painted on a white base with a pigment containing cobalt, then covered with a transparent glaze and fired, resulting in a vibrant indigo color. This technique was developed in China and is particularly famous for pottery with a blue pattern known as "seihwa." The sometsuke technique was adopted in Kyoto ware during the Edo period and has now become established as one of the techniques that represent Kyoto ware. The wave pattern painted on the Sometsuke Koshi Namiura Hira Sakazuki (Cupcake Cup) inherits the tradition of this technique while being expressed in a modern design, making it a work in which history and innovation coexist.

The connection between Kochi and Kyo-yaki

The name "Kochi" refers to a region in present-day Vietnam, and is a name given to it from a Chinese dynasty. Kochi ware was favored in the world of tea ceremony, and later came to be produced in Kyoto ware as well. The "Sometsuke Kochi Namiura Hira Sakazuki" carries on this tradition, and is a particularly eye-catching piece among Kyoto ware, characterized by its fusion of delicate design and technique.

"The Great Wave off Kanagawa" and its effects

The wave pattern on this flat sake cup is based on Katsushika Hokusai's ukiyo-e print, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" is known worldwide for its dynamic wave depiction and intricate design, and is highly regarded overseas as "The Great Wave." Miyagawa Kosai's "Sometsuke Koso Namiura Flat Sake Cup" faithfully reproduces the power of the waves from this masterpiece, vividly expressing the movement and tranquility of the waves within the sake cup.

The techniques and history of Makuzu ware

Makuzu ware encompasses a variety of Kyoto ware techniques, including Ninsei and Kenzan copies. Traditional techniques such as overglaze painting, blue and white porcelain, and iron painting are beautifully combined to create Makuzu ware's unique style. This "Blue and White Kozu Namiura Hirasakazu" (Flat Sake Cup with Wave Pattern) in particular makes excellent use of the blue and white porcelain technique, expressing the power and intricacy of the waves. Makuzu ware has a history spanning over 330 years, continuing its long tradition since the Miyagawa family began its pottery business in Kyoto around 1680. While creating pieces that meet the demands of each era, the Miyagawa family has always continued to create pottery that is rooted in the tea ceremony and everyday life. This "Blue and White Kozu Namiura Hirasakazu" continues that tradition while being finished with a design that suits modern aesthetic sensibilities.

The spirit and vision of Miyagawa Kosai

The Miyagawa Kosai family continues to preserve tradition while incorporating new techniques to keep up with the times. In particular, this "Sometsuke Koji Namiura Hirasakazaki" (flat sake cup with blue and white porcelain and a wave motif) embodies Hokusai's wave design using traditional Kyoto ware techniques, creating a work that combines historical background with modern beauty. Works like this are highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also by ceramic art fans overseas, gaining particular popularity in Europe and America. It is also the Miyagawa Kosai family's mission to spread the charm of Kyoto's elegant Makuzu ware to the world through this "Sometsuke Koji Namiura Hirasakazaki" (flat sake cup with blue and white porcelain and a wave motif).

A conversation with Miyagawa Kosai