Bizen Elephant Chuki (Sake Pourer)

Koji Nakahara studied under Fumio Kawabata and strives to create works that complement contemporary lifestyles. This is a newly fired Bizen Elephant Chuki (Sake Pourer) by the artist.

Going a step beyond his earlier works, 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 sake vessel.

The experience of pouring sake directly from the elephant’s trunk is particularly striking and memorable. The sight of sake flowing vigorously from the elephant’s fierce-looking face leaves an impression that is difficult to forget.

This piece was fired in the kiln of his teacher, Fumio Kawabata. Kase-Goma has developed around the area corresponding to the elephant’s neck hair, creating a distinctive kiln effect that beautifully complements the intricate sculptural details.

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