Hirado Chrysanthemum and Running Water Flower Vase

This exquisite porcelain vase, shaped in the graceful form of a gourd, highlights the unparalleled craftsmanship of master artisan Nakazato Ichiro. At first glance, the delicate chrysanthemums, sculpted with extraordinary precision using the kikka-kazari zaiku technique, captivate the eye. Each petal is meticulously carved from porcelain with a pointed bamboo tool, then carefully raised to create lifelike, three-dimensional blooms. Though crafted from the same material, each flower is unique—no two petals or blossoms are ever identical. As the glaze settles and the piece is fired, the once sharp creases soften, echoing the gentle curves of real chrysanthemums.

What truly sets this vase apart is the harmonious fusion of sculptural and pictorial artistry. Below the cascading chrysanthemums, the lower half of the vase is adorned with a sometsuke blue-and-white motif—an elegant depiction of flowing water. The fluid brushstrokes express the quiet movement of a stream, offering a serene contrast to the vibrant texture of the flowers above. In Japan—a land blessed with abundant water—this auspicious motif is often depicted alongside flowers and landscapes, with patterns frequently combined to create layered meanings.

The gentle blue shades in both the sometsuke landscape and the chrysanthemums' leaves weave the top and bottom sections into a cohesive narrative, while the luminous white porcelain serves as a pristine backdrop to Nakazato's artistry. The gourd silhouette further accentuates this unity, with its curves guiding the eye from the flowing lines of water to the intricate blossoms, inviting endless admiration.

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.

Mikawachi ware, also known as Hirado ware, is a pottery made in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Known for its translucent white porcelain, it was highly popular in Europe during the trend toward Japanese crafts in the West in the 20th century. Mikawachi ware is remarkable for its delicate modeling techniques that push the limits of porcelain, such as openwork and relief carving, and for its beautiful painting that looks like a single piece of art.