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The Artistry of Nakazato Ichiro: Elegance Born at the Fingertips

The Artistry of Nakazato Ichiro: Elegance Born at the Fingertips

Written by Team MUSUBI

On the delicate, thin white surface of Mikawachi ware, elegant, three-dimensional chrysanthemums bloom in breathtaking detail. This exquisite craftsmanship, known as kikka-kazari zaiku, tooled-chrysanthemum appliquê work, or the Hirado chrysanthemum fine engraving technique, showcases the artisans' mastery as meticulously carved chrysanthemum petals are layered and arranged on porcelain, further emphasizing its delicate and refined form.

As the 17th-generation master of the Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln, Nakazato Ichiro has devoted his life to preserving and advancing the art of Mikawachi ware. Through decades of unwavering dedication, this mesmerizing artistry continues to captivate and inspire. Let us immerse ourselves in the enchanting elegance of blooming porcelain chrysanthemums, brought to life by the unparalleled skill of Nakazato Ichiro.

Chrysanthemums in Bloom on White Porcelain

Nestled in the rolling hills of Nagasaki Prefecture lies Mikawachi, a town whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Japanese porcelain history. For over 400 years, artisans have been crafting exquisite porcelain pieces known as Hirado ware or Mikawachi ware. The term "Hirado ware" refers to porcelain produced during the Edo period (1603–1868 CE), while "Mikawachi ware" applies to pieces made after the Meiji era (1868–1912 CE). This kind of porcelain embodies both technical mastery and profound artistic sensitivity.

What sets Mikawachi ware apart is its distinctive characteristics: a translucent white body of extraordinary purity, delicate yet resilient construction, and an immaculate finish that captures light like freshly fallen snow. The almost ethereal white color sets the perfect canvas for the intricate blue underglaze decorations and kikka-kazari zaiku—an exquisite technique of carving three-dimensional chrysanthemum designs directly from clay—that has become synonymous with the style.

Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln honors the 400-year tradition of Mikawachi ware by drawing inspiration from classic forms and patterns while infusing their creations with their unique and personal touch.

“Each chrysanthemum crafted by different artisans showcases their unique traits. Even with the same artisan, chrysanthemums created in their youth differ from those made later in life.”

Nakazato Ichiro’s son, Nakazato Taiyo, the 18th-generation master of the Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln, remarked.

Every meticulously detailed chrysanthemum produced using the Hirado chrysanthemum fine engraving technique reflects the craftsmen’s dedication to preserving tradition and the elegance born from years of continuous learning and skill refinement. 

The Craftsmanship Passed Through Generations

When Nakazato Ichiro reflects on his dedication to the craft, he shares, “It feels like I’ve been involved in this work since birth. This career wasn’t something I learned; it was as if it was infused into my very being. After turning 20, I began to dedicate myself even more tirelessly to my craft. It was a very natural process. From a young age, I would help my father with various production tasks every morning before school.”

From childhood into old age, the journey of inheriting and weaving ancestral skills into one’s life is truly inspiring. The chrysanthemum engraving technique embodies this legacy, much like blossoms that bloom from the lives of successive generations of artisans. This profound integration of tradition and personal passion highlights the enduring beauty and emotional depth of the craftsmanship.

Team Musubi had the privilege of observing Nakazato Ichiro as he crafted the chrysanthemum. Before the delicate carving of the flower begins, he carefully adjusts the moisture content of the clay by hand-kneading, a step that demands years of experience and extensive practice to master accurately.

Next, he shapes and sculpts the chrysanthemum on the prepared base. His tool is a slender bamboo strip, only a third of a finger in width, tapering to a sharp point at the end. Holding the tool delicately between his fingertips, he applies just the right amount of pressure to carve out individual petals. With gentle lifts, he shapes every petal, repeating the process countless times. Layer upon layer of petals emerges, forming a beautifully intricate and orderly chrysanthemum on the soft clay.

In the final stages, he adjusts the angles of the petals to ensure the flower appears fully bloomed. A close look reveals realistic creases on each petal, infusing the flower with lifelike vitality. As we watched this meticulous process, we couldn't help but hold our breath, as if the slightest breeze could stir the exquisite chrysanthemum resting on the artisan’s fingertips.

After completing his work, Nakazato Ichiro greeted us with a warm smile and shared some of his childhood experiences while mastering this craft. He explained, “The most significant impression was undoubtedly the hard work involved. As a child, the tasks were incredibly physically demanding, as everything—from fetching water to gathering basic materials—had to be accomplished with my own hands. Many people found the labor too exhausting to continue and ultimately gave up.”

When we asked what had kept him steadfast, he paused and responded, “How have I managed to persevere?” Smiling, he added, “It’s probably the support from my ancestors. Without these skills, it would be very hard to survive in this world.”

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Growth

Both Nakazato Ichiro and his successor, Nakazato Taiyo, deeply cherish the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Nakazato Taiyo shares, 

I compare my own creations with traditional works to identify differences and gather insights. Rather than chasing current fashion trends, I believe it is more important to draw from tradition. Continuously learning from the past can illuminate the path to the future.”

This dedication to preserving ancestral craftsmanship while seeking subtle innovations ensures that the Nakazato family’s artistry remains both timeless and relevant. By valuing traditional methods and integrating them thoughtfully into modern designs, Nakazato Taiyo exemplifies how honoring the past can inspire and shape the future of Mikawachi ware.

In the quiet workshop of the Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln, where time seems to flow at its own gentle pace, the legacy of Mikawachi ware continues to bloom. Each chrysanthemum that emerges from the skilled hands of the Nakazato family tells a story not just of artistic excellence, but of an unbroken chain of dedication spanning generations.

As the soft light filters through the workshop windows, casting gentle shadows across the shelves of finished pieces, we're left with a deeper appreciation for these guardians of tradition who continue to breathe life into clay, one petal at a time. In an age of mass production and instant gratification, the Nakazato family's commitment to their craft offers a profound lesson in the value of patience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Their story reminds us that some things—like the delicate petals of a porcelain chrysanthemum—are worth waiting for, worth preserving, and above all, worth passing on to future generations.

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