Bizen Kinsai Elephant Guinomi

Koji Nakahara studied under Fumio Kawabata and strives to create works that complement contemporary lifestyles. This is a newly fired Bizen Kinsai Elephant Guinomi by the artist.

Going a step beyond his earlier sake cups, in which various animals were carved into the surface, this piece transforms the vessel itself into the dynamic face of an elephant, giving it an exceptionally powerful presence.

The intricate sculptural work reflects Nakahara’s current passion for detailed ceramic figures. The finely rendered tusks, hair, and trunk are so vivid that the elephant appears almost to have emerged from an ancient painting.

Although the vessel is relatively thickly formed, its overall weight and balance have been carefully adjusted. Despite its large and dynamic form, it never feels excessively heavy and remains fully functional as a Guinomi.

The work is finished with Kinsai decoration in an electric kiln, a technique Nakahara handles particularly well. The upper section displays a copper-like golden tone, while the lower section develops a matte black kiln effect similar to that seen in his Susogoi series.

He was born in Osaka prefecture in 1978.
He became a disciple of Fumio Kawabata since 2001.