Hirado Chrysanthemum Flower Vase

Serene and luminous, this porcelain vase is truly breathtaking. Crafted in the elegant silhouette of a gourd, it exemplifies the pinnacle of refined artistry. Chrysanthemums, sculpted with meticulous precision, embellish its surface, each petal shaped to evoke the soft, lifelike curves of real flowers. Layer by layer, these blooms come to life.

This piece showcases the kikka-kazari zaiku technique, realized through the exceptional artistry of Nakazato Ichiro. This intricate method involves carving individual petals directly out of porcelain, a process that demands technical mastery and artistic sensitivity. Each petal, carefully shaped with a slender bamboo tool, reveals delicate creases and organic contours. And yet, no two blooms are ever alike, as every flower is shaped entirely by hand.

The all-white porcelain allows the craftsmanship to shine, highlighting the purity in its design and the complexity in its technique. Under varying lighting conditions, the dialogue of light and shadow accentuates the exquisite beauty of its sculpted petals and gentle curves.

The gourd-shaped silhouette provides a graceful foundation, complementing the natural arrangement of the chrysanthemums and their inherent rhythm. Every sculptural element, from the hand-carved petals to the soft contours of the foliage, draws the viewer’s eye and rewards a lingering gaze. 

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.