Bizen Clay Nerikomi Guinomi "Wild Grass"

This is a new Bizen "Nerikomi" (kneaded clay) sake cup, "Wakakusa" (Young Grass), by Koji Nakahara, who studied under Fumio Kawabata and aims to create works that suit contemporary life. This sake cup features a marble-like surface created by blending and firing ten different types of clay. It is meticulously crafted by pounding the clay to fill any gaps between the soil types, primarily using rice paddy clay. The complex patterns and unprecedented hues evoke a compelling desire to pick it up and use it. This new work is part of a series that combines the "Nerikomi" technique with Oribe glaze, titled "Wakakusa," featuring Oribe glaze that swirls upward from the foot to the body. While Mr. Nakahara’s work is characterized by a primitive atmosphere with a focus on the clay itself, the combination of the mysterious Oribe glaze patterns creates a mystical appearance reminiscent of an out-of-place artifact from an ancient civilization. Furthermore, the smooth texture—a hallmark of "Nerikomi" work—is delightful for a sake cup, and the delicate touch of the rim is something you will find addictive once you use it. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.9cm x 6.8cm x Height 4.8cm Koji Nakahara was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1978. He graduated from the advanced course at Nara College of Arts in 2000 and from the Bizen Ceramic Center in 2001. That same year, he began his apprenticeship under Fumio Kawabata and joined the Kaneshige Ritoen pottery in 2007. Since then, he has actively exhibited his work at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and various other public exhibitions. He is currently an associate member of the Japan Kōgei Association.