Hello everyone, how are you all doing?
Koji Nakahara, who has just finished his first solo exhibition at Tenmaya Okayama,
stopped by our shop during his stay in Okayama.
He brought with him some wonderful sake vessels, and I would like to introduce them to you.
Mr. Nakahara studied under the tutelage of Fumio Kawabata,
and these latest pieces are created using the "nerikomi" (marbled clay) technique inherited from Mr. Kawabata.
He sifts more than eight types of clay to remove impurities before hand-coiling the vessels into shape.
When you pick them up, they are remarkably sharp, which is hard to believe for hand-coiled pieces,
and you can clearly sense the meticulous thought he has put into why the user would choose this pottery, its harmony with a space, and the quality of the clay and glaze.
The surface, reminiscent of unfinished Japanese paper or polished marble,
is wonderful to the touch, and its cool texture seems perfect for serving cold sake.
In fact, this surface is created by combining clays with different shrinkage rates without fully blending them,
meaning the clay types are pieced together like a patchwork.
Because of this, he must press the clay firmly with a wooden spatula after initial shaping.
This increases the density of the clay, enhancing its functionality as a vessel.
These are sake vessels made with "nerikomi" using rice field clay (tazuchi). The unique texture is addictive.
The subtle "hidasuki" fire-cord marks on the base add just the right touch to the aesthetic without being overbearing.
These are made with "nerikomi" using mountain clay (yamazuchi), and the metallic gray clay tone is lovely.
They are said to have been inspired by Joseon dynasty sake bottles.
(Koji Nakahara / Assorted Nerikomi Sake Vessels - Original wooden boxes in production)
Sake bottle (Rice field clay) size: Dia 10.0cm × 10.0cm × H 13.8cm price: Sold
Sake cup (Rice field clay) size: Dia 6.6cm × 6.5cm × H 7.4cm price: Sold
Sake bottle (Mountain clay) size: Dia 9.3cm × 9.1cm × H 12.9cm price: ¥24,000
Sake cup (Mountain clay) size: Dia 6.7cm × 6.6cm × H 6.5cm price: Sold
For detailed images of the works, please contact us below.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Click to open email screen)