Bizentsuchi Nerikomi Guinomi

This is the new "Twilight Drop" sake cup in Bizen-style nerikomi clay by Koji Nakahara, who studied under Fumio Kawabata and strives to create craft that matches modern life. This sake cup features a marble-like texture achieved by mixing 10 different types of clay and firing them until vitrified. It is painstakingly hand-pounded to fill the gaps between the rice field clay base, and its complex pattern and unprecedented coloration evoke an irresistible urge to pick it up and use it. This work belongs to the new "Twilight Drop" series, which combines the nerikomi technique with gold and silver overglaze painting, creating a fascinating contrast between the complex structure of the nerikomi clay and the uniform matte gold and silver. A feldspar glaze is applied, followed by gold and silver painting and a final firing—an elaborate production typical of Nakahara’s style. As the gold and silver light shimmers within the sake, it creates a fantastical reflection. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 8.1cm x Diameter 7.9cm x Height 3.5cm Koji Nakahara was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1978. He graduated from the Advanced Course at Nara College of Arts in 2000 and the Bizen Pottery Center in 2001. That same year, he began studying under Fumio Kawabata, and in 2007, he joined the Kaneshige Ritoen studio. Since then, he has actively exhibited his work at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and various other juried competitions. He is currently an associate member of the Japan Kōgei Association.