Ethereal Blooms
Nakazato Ichiro
Nakazato Ichiro, the 17th-generation master of the Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln, stands as a guardian of Hirado chrysanthemum fine engraving technique and adds his subtle innovations while honoring this ancient craft.
He has dedicated his lifetime to mastering and preserving the technique, bringing forth ethereal, three-dimensional blooms that seem to dance upon the delicate white surface of Mikawachi ware. His works transcend mere technical excellence, revealing not only the profound beauty of traditional craftsmanship but also offering glimpses into the soul of an artisan whose life has become inseparable from his art.
The Delicate Dance of Light and Clay
Mikawachi ware stands as a testament to centuries of Japanese porcelain mastery, where the interplay of light and clay creates works of extraordinary beauty. The secret lies in its distinctive porcelain body, achieved through carefully selected materials and precise firing techniques that have been refined over four centuries. This unique composition results in pieces with an almost luminous quality, where light seems to glint within the translucent white surface rather than merely reflecting off it.
The Artistry of Kikka-Kazari Zaiku
For Nakazato Ichiro, crafting porcelain chrysanthemums (kikka-kazari zaiku) embodies a spiritual dialogue between the artisan and the materials. As he begins his work, his slender and delicate bamboo tools become extensions of his artistic vision. He handles each tool with a gentle grip, making every movement both precise and fluid. Starting from the heart of the flower and working outward layer by layer, he meticulously lifts each petal, imbuing them with natural curves and intricate layers.
Under Nakazato’s skilled hands, the seemingly simple white porcelain surface gradually blossoms with three-dimensional vitality, as if real petals are gracefully fluttering in the breeze.
Biography
Nakazato Ichiro was born in Mikawachi-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. He is the 17th-generation master of the Hirado Kohsyo Danemon Kiln. Through his exceptional craftsmanship, he has been honored by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry with the title of a master of traditional crafts in making Mikawachi ware and a 1st grade Technician of Pottery and Porcelain Making certified by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
In addition, Nakazato Ichiro is a designated holder of the Hirado chrysanthemum fine engraving technique, an intangible cultural heritage for both Sasebo City and Nagasaki Prefecture. In the spring of 2020, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, by the Japanese Cabinet Office.
