Tanba Red Water Jar Nishihata Masashi

Width: 23.6cm Depth: 21.4cm Height: 18cm

Tanba red water jar by Tadashi Nishibata

- A sculptural water pitcher that combines the warmth of the earth and the serenity of obsidian

This piece, "Tamba Red Water Jar" by Nishibata Tadashi, is a striking piece with a shape reminiscent of fruit sprouting from the earth and a vivid contrast between the red clay and black glaze. The natural form and the strength of the material are beautifully combined to bring a quiet presence to the tea ceremony.

The power of firing, as told by red clay

The body of the vessel is made of red clay from Tanba, which is rich in iron, and due to natural glazing and firing, tiny black spots and patterns emerge from the reddish brown color. The rough surface is primitive, like pottery that has been fired outdoors, and gives the impression of the powerful texture of the earth. The traces of the wheel are deliberately hidden, and the shape makes use of the simple charm of the clay itself, giving the piece a sense of life.

The black glazed lid brings tranquility and sophistication

The lid is coated with a lustrous black glaze, whose smooth texture and deep black color create a vivid contrast with the red clay body. The rounded lid has a knob that rises modestly from the center, exquisitely combining practicality with design. The surface of the black glaze softly reflects light, giving it a deep depth that evokes a quiet night, and giving the entire vessel a firm impression.

Free form reminiscent of nature

The upper rim is wavy like a flower, and the design, which is intentionally deviating from mechanical symmetry, is full of gentleness and freedom reminiscent of natural objects. This design is a clear expression of Nishibata's philosophy of viewing vessels not as mere tools but as an "extension of nature." The coexistence of utility and beauty, order and chance, is sure to evoke a deep sympathy in viewers.

Only by holding it in your hands can you appreciate its appeal.

The true essence of this Mizujar emerges only when you pick it up. The feel of the clay in your palm, the weight of the lid, and the soft curve of the rim. All of these aspects are in harmony with the time spent in the tea ceremony, and the design makes you grow fonder with each use. This vessel appeals not only to the visual sense but also to the tactile sense, and can truly be said to transcend the boundaries between the everyday and the artistic.

The spirit of Tamba and modern sensibility

Nishibata Tadashi's works are firmly based in the traditions of Tamba ware, but by adding a modern sensibility, they invite us into a deeper and wider world of beauty. This "Tamba Red Water Jar" is a prime example, a piece that beautifully combines tradition and innovation. It blends naturally into not only tea ceremonies, but also modern spaces, and has the power to change the very air.

This Tamba red water jar is a true embodiment of "living craftsmanship," combining the power of clay, glaze, and sculpture. It will become even more beautiful over the years as it ages, accommodating the needs of its user.

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.
Solo Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in 2018

A conversation with Masashi Nishibata