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

Height: 3.0cm Width: 9.5cm

The "Blue and White Koshi Namiura Hirasakabe" is a work by Miyagawa Kosai that highlights the beautiful technique of Makuzu ware. This flat sake cup is painted with the wave pattern from Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" using the blue and white technique. Of particular note is that when sake is poured into it, the waves appear to be swaying, beautifully expressing the contrast between movement and stillness. The dynamic movement of the waves feels as if they are alive inside the cup, making this a piece that can be enjoyed both visually and sensorily.

Techniques of blue and white porcelain

Blue and white porcelain is a technique in which a design is drawn on a white base with a pigment containing cobalt, then covered with a transparent glaze and fired, resulting in a vivid indigo color. This technique was developed in China, and is particularly famous for pottery with a blue pattern called "seika." The blue and white porcelain technique was adopted by Kyoto ware during the Edo period, and is now established as one of the representative techniques of Kyoto ware. The wave pattern on the "Blue and White Koichi Nami Ura Hira Sakazuki" inherits the tradition of this technique, but is expressed in a modern design, making it a work in which history and innovation coexist.

The connection between Kochi and Kyo-yaki

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

"The Great Wave off Kanagawa" and its Influence

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 Koshunamiura Flat Sake Cup" faithfully reproduces the strength of the waves in this masterpiece, and the movement and serenity of the waves are vividly expressed in the sake cup.

The techniques and history of Makuzu ware

Makkuzu 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 form Makkuzu ware's unique style. In particular, this "Blue and white Koshen Namiura Hirasakabe" uses the blue and white porcelain technique beautifully to express the strength and precision of the waves. Makkuzu ware has a history of over 330 years, and its long tradition has continued since the Miyagawa family began pottery in Kyoto around 1680. While creating works that meet the needs 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 Koshen Namiura Hirasakabe" also inherits that tradition, but is finished with a design that matches modern aesthetics.

The spirit and vision of Kosai Miyagawa

The Miyagawa Kosai family continues to preserve tradition while incorporating new techniques in keeping with the times. In particular, this "Blue and white Kozue Namiura Hirasakabe" embodies Hokusai's expression of waves using traditional Kyoto ware techniques, and is a work that combines historical background with modern beauty. Works like this are highly regarded not only in Japan but also by ceramic art fans overseas, and are particularly popular in Europe and America. It is also the mission of the Miyagawa Kosai family to spread the charm of Kyoto's elegant Makuzu ware to the world through this "Blue and white Kozue Namiura Hirasakabe".