Bizen gourd-shaped sake bottle

This is a Bizen gourd-shaped sake flask (tokkuri) by Makoto Nakamura, a renowned master of sake ware and tableware and the eldest son of the legendary Bizen pottery master, Rokuro Nakamura. Enveloped in soft ash-glaze (haikaburi) and sangiri markings, the piece reveals a magnificent scarlet hue, showcasing the quintessential Nakamura family finish achieved by firing high-quality rice-field clay slowly and gently. The elegant neck, reminiscent of a budding flower, reflects a deep philosophy of sake ware craftsmanship backed by Makoto’s impeccable technique. With use, the ash-glaze and sangiri will become softer and smoother, evolving into a texture of indescribable beauty. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Rim 3.1cm × Body diameter 10.5cm × Body diameter 10.5cm × Height 12.8cm, Capacity approx. 350cc Born as the eldest son of Rokuro Nakamura, Makoto Nakamura began learning the fundamentals and honing his skills under his father in 1971. To further study the firing techniques of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, he spent ten years assisting and receiving guidance from Michiaki Kaneshige during kiln firings. He became independent in 1975. He primarily creates tea ceremony ceramics and tableware, as well as flower vases, sake flasks, and sake cups. He actively holds solo exhibitions across Japan, including in Tokyo, Okayama, and Nagoya.