Hohin

This new hohin teapot, "Susogon Kin-sai Ryu-tsumi" (Gold-leaf Graded Dragon Finial), is the work of Koji Nakahara, who studied under Fumio Kawabata and aims to create pieces that suit modern life. It is a large, uniquely designed hohin that perfectly reflects Mr. Nakahara, who often says his production speed cannot keep up with his ideas. Despite this being his first attempt at a hohin, he has drawn inspiration from the works of master craftsmen of the past to complete a powerful dragon carving adorned with a precious gem. The design of the dragon, gazing upward while waiting for its moment from the lake surface, is truly commanding, and its impressive size stands up well to the large body of the hohin. This piece is named "Susogon Kin-sai" (Graded Gold-leaf), applying the dyeing term "susogo" (gradation from hem to top) to create a two-tone color scheme featuring a platinum-shimmering gold-leaf surface and a dark, charcoal-like gray. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter including spout 13.7cm × Diameter 11.2cm × Height including lid 11.4cm 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 Ceramic Center in 2001. That same year, he began his apprenticeship under Fumio Kawabata, and in 2007, he joined the Kaneshige Ritoen pottery. 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.