Shiro-Bizen Entwined Shishi Houhin

Koji Nakahara studied under Fumio Kawabata and strives to create works that complement contemporary lifestyles. This is a newly fired Shiro-Bizen Entwined Shishi Houhin by the artist.

Nakahara often says that his hands cannot keep pace with the ideas constantly emerging in his mind, and this Houhin is filled with the kind of imaginative details that characterize his work.

For this piece, Nakahara turned his attention to the techniques of Shizutani ware, a ceramic tradition that has since disappeared. The Houhin was created using clay blended with Mitsuishi pyrophyllite and finished with a transparent glaze.

Reflecting Nakahara’s current passion for highly detailed sculptural work, the piece follows the traditional style developed and refined by master craftsmen of earlier generations, while at the same time fully expressing the humorous character that is one of his own distinctive qualities.

Although many of Nakahara’s sculptural works feature playful and charming motifs, this piece returns to the traditional Shishi. The dynamic movement of the intertwined lions is particularly impressive.

The transparent glaze reflects light with a subtle sheen, beautifully enhancing the white color produced by the Mitsuishi pyrophyllite. It highlights the intricate sculptural details while also allowing the owner to enjoy the changes that develop through continued use.

Houhin decorated with sculptural figures on their lids can easily become rather heavy. By carefully adjusting both the amount of clay and the overall dimensions, however, Nakahara has kept this piece at a pleasantly balanced weight in the hand.

He was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1978.
He became a disciple of Fumio Kawabata in 2001.
In 2024, he moved to Bizen City.