Hirado Chrysanthemum Sometsuke Flower Vase

Quietly majestic, this porcelain vase, crafted in the elegant silhouette of a gourd, embodies the height of refined craftsmanship. Chrysanthemums, sculpted with remarkable precision, embellish its surface, every petal is shaped to replicate the soft, lifelike curves of real flowers. Layer by layer, these blooms come to life, their three-dimensional presence conveying a sense of graceful movement.

This piece showcases the kikka-kazari zaiku technique, realized through the exceptional artistry of Nakazato Ichiro. This meticulous method involves carving individual petals directly out of porcelain, a process that demands extraordinary accuracy and a profound understanding of the medium. Each petal, shaped with a slender bamboo tool, displays fine creases and organic contours. And yet, no two blooms are ever alike, as every flower is shaped entirely by hand.

The blue and white of sometsuke enrich the vase’s dynamic composition. Shades of blue are applied to the leaves and stamens, creating depth and contrast against the luminous white blossoms. The gourd shape provides a graceful foundation, accentuating the arrangement of the chrysanthemums and their inherent rhythm. Every sculptural detail, from the intricately carved petals to the flowing lines 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.