Straw white glaze Katakuchi Nishibansei

Width: 14.4cm Depth: 10.0cm Height: 9.6cm

- A gentle vessel shape created by dripping glaze and red clay

The "Straw White Glaze Katakuchi" by Nishibata Tadashi is a piece with a smooth yet organic form, with a thick layer of straw white glaze giving it a soft look.It is a vessel with a quiet presence, which has the function of pouring but also stands as a sculpture.

The milky consistency of the straw-white glaze

The straw-white glaze that covers the entire vessel is smooth and thick, reminiscent of warm milk, and exudes a soft glow. The irregular black spots and flowing patterns created by the firing process enhance the charm of each unique piece, which is only possible with handwork. The red clay of the base peeks through in places, creating a contrast between white and red, giving the vessel a rich depth.

A natural shape that fits comfortably in your hand

This katakuchi sake cup has a slightly bulging rim, designed to fit comfortably in the hand. The distortion and fluctuation of the entire vessel may seem accidental, but it is actually calculated, giving it an organic impression, like a stone or fruit found in nature. Nishibata's unique sensibility is evident in every detail of the design.

A dialogue between red clay and white glaze

The simple, iron-rich color of the red clay of Tamba is enhanced by the straw-white glaze, creating a deeper expression. The red clay peeking out from the rim and foot of the bowl has a particularly powerful presence, as if peeking out from a crack in the earth, creating a striking contrast with the glaze. The striking white makes the red stand out even more.

Tableware for tea and drinking ceremonies

This katakuchi is versatile enough to be used not only as a sake cup, but also as a water pourer at a tea ceremony or as a flower vase. Its understated design blends seamlessly into the space, yet exudes a distinct individuality that reveals a new face with each use. It exudes a quiet yet core beauty.

The more you use it, the more beautiful it becomes

The more a straw-glazed vessel is used, the deeper the crazing will become, and a subtle sheen will develop on the surface of the glaze. This katakuchi will also gain more charm over the years, growing into a vessel that fits closely into the user's lifestyle. It will become a natural part of everyday life, while maintaining a comfortable sense of tension - that is the kind of presence it will have.

This "Straw White Glazed Katakuchi" is a work that combines Nishibata Tadashi's delicate sensibility with his deep understanding of clay. Combining beauty and practicality, this vessel is sure to quietly accompany you in your daily life and become a beloved piece for a long time.

Tadashi 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. Nogawa Memorial Award, Handon no Kai. 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. Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition. Hyogo Prefecture Emerging Artist Encouragement Award. Invited to exhibit at the NHK-sponsored Paris - 100 Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition. 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 Design Exhibition, solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
1997 Encouragement Award at the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition 1998 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2000 Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Fukuoka 2001 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2002 Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store Solo exhibition at Gallery Dojima 2003 Solo exhibition at Touchingston, USA 2004 Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition at Sogo Hiroshima 2005 Exhibited at the Akashi City Museum of Culture and Hyogo Ceramics Exhibition Purchase of Akadobedai, Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum Solo exhibition at Gallery Dojima, Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store 2006 Grand Prize at the Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the New York Japan Society Gallery Solo exhibition at Yokohama Takashimaya Touchingston, USA Father and Son Exhibition at Matsuyama Takashimaya Toshunkai Exhibition, Sogo Yokohama. Encouragement Award at the Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 2008. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Solo Exhibition, Yokohama Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi Nihombashi, Santa Fe, Touchingston, USA. Toshunkai Exhibition, Funabashi, Seibu, Sogo Hiroshima. Invited to the Japanese Ceramics Exhibition in 2009. Solo Exhibition, Gallery Dojima, Sendai Mitsukoshi, 2010. Sogo Kobe. Exhibited in the Musee Tomo Grand Prize Exhibition, Contemporary Tea. Solo Exhibition, Yokohama Takashimaya, Touchingston, USA. Invited to the Japanese Ceramics Exhibition. Solo Exhibition, Joan B. Marvis, New York, USA. Invited to the Japanese Ceramics Exhibition in 2013. Exhibited in the "Contemporary Famous Bowls" exhibition at the Musee Tomo, Kanmi Kikuchi Memorial. Solo Exhibition, Mitsukoshi Nihombashi, Santa Fe, Touchingston, USA. Gallery Miyazaki, Sogo Kobe, Chiba Sogo, 2014. Solo Exhibition, Mitsukoshi Nihombashi, 2015. Received the Hyogo Prefecture Cultural Award in 2016. Exhibited at Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art for "Ceramics that Color Our Lives - Food Ware" Exhibited at Joan B. Marvis' 40th Anniversary Exhibition in 2017.
2018 Solo Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

A conversation with Tadashi Nishibata