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 work, "Tamba Red Water Jar" by Nishibata Tadashi, is striking for its shape, resembling fruit sprouting from the earth, and the vivid contrast between the red clay and black glaze. The natural form and the strength of the material are beautifully combined to create a tranquil presence at the tea ceremony.

The power of firing as told by red clay

The body of the vessel is made from red clay from Tamba, which is rich in iron, and due to the natural glazing and changes in 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 potter's wheel are deliberately hidden, and the design makes use of the rustic 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, its smooth texture and deep black color creating a vivid contrast with the red clay body. The rounded lid has a modestly raised knob in the center, exquisitely combining practicality with design. The surface of the black glaze softly reflects light, giving the vessel a deep depth reminiscent of a quiet night and creating a compact impression throughout the vessel.

Freeform forms that evoke nature

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

You can only understand its charm by holding it in your hands

The true essence of this water jar 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 complement 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 it 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 firmly adhere to the traditions of Tamba ware, but by adding a modern sensibility, they invite us into a deeper and broader world of beauty. This "Tamba Red Water Jar" is a prime example, a piece that beautifully combines tradition and innovation. It blends naturally not only into tea ceremonies but also into modern spaces, possessing the power to transform the very atmosphere.

This Tamba red water jar is a true example of "living craftsmanship," combining the power of clay, glaze, and form. It will become even more beautiful with the passage of time as it ages, adhering to the needs of its user.

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