

Japanese Vintage Pottery Sake Cup
Tousen Nakazato Sakazuki Guinomi (Sake Cup) | Shiinomine-gama Kiln
Age:1998
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 1-1/4” h x 2-3/4”dia
This colorful beautiful flat Sakazuki sake cup is wonderful and unique and purchased from the Nakazato family kiln in Karatsu, Saga prefecture, on the Southern Island of Kyushu. It displays a handsome varied warm yellow ocher ash glaze, with a grainy texture finish, that is a “one-off” creation affording uniqueness and creating an expressive individual cup. The bottom is finished with a short raised foot. The piece has an incised mark referred to as Kamjirushi, which identifies the piece as a potter and kiln. Additionally, the artist’s signature and identifying marks are on the top of the original Kirkwood box.
This unique piece possesses what is referred to as Yo no bi, (“beauty through use”), which is a term that is often heard in the Japanese utsuwa world. Beautifully crafted guinomi, such as the piece offered comes alive when liquid is placed within its boundaries. The piece stands alone as a wonderful example of ceramic art, not answering the yo no bi call until touched by a user's hand and spirit.
The term Sakazuki is a ritual of exchanging sake cups as a means of pledging friendship. The word itself refers to ceremonial cups used on special occasions.
Condition: Excellent condition as produced by the artist, retaining the original craft/workmanship. There is no discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage.
NOTE: Takashi Nakazato the father of several children who became famous pottery and is a master potter from Karatsu, Japan. He represents the 13th generation of an unbroken line of family potters dating back to the late 1300s. In Japan, the members of his family are considered National Living Treasures. Takashi’s work typically combines elements of his Japanese heritage, his influence from Korean potters, with his own innovative style and technique, known as “Karatsu Nanban.”
1937 Born in Karatsu as the fifth son of the late Muan Nakazato, National Treasure
1961 Awarded the First Prize in the 10th Modern Japanese Pottery Exhibition
1967 Traveled to the USA, Europe, South-East Asia, Middle-East, Korea.
1971 Invited to Tanegashima Island to research and started the Tanegashima-yaki.
1974 Returned to Karatsu. Started Ryuta-gama in Karatsu.
1985 Awarded the Modern Pottery Prize by the Japan Pottery Association
Invited to many kilns in Japan for collaboration with potters.
Recently he is world-renowned for his activity in Denmark, the USA, Jamaica
He is well-known as a generous supporter of baroque music.
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