Totai Guinomi "Night light"

This is a new *totai shuzumi* (ceramic-body sake cup) titled "Yako" (Night Glow) by Koji Nakahara, an artist who studied under Fumio Kawabata and aims to create works that suit modern life. This piece is a *totai-shikki* (ceramic-body lacquerware) work, crafted by applying lacquer over a fired ceramic base, resulting in a stylish, primitive purple finish. This latest iteration, titled "Yako," features a different colored lacquer, with a mysterious, captivating hue achieved through a purple-tinted finish. The matte texture typical of unglazed pottery is delightful to the touch, while the deep, composed purple color—unique to lacquer—is a treat for the eyes; such a dual sensory experience is only possible with *totai* works. Its form, resembling a halved sphere, combined with its unique coloring, is reminiscent of a blueberry. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.9cm x 6.7cm x Height 4.3cm 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 kiln. Since then, he has actively exhibited his work at the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition and various public competitions. He is currently an associate member of the Japan Kōgei Association.