Shinju Kosai Crane Neck Vase
Nakada Hiroshi’s shinju kosai (pearl luster) decorative technique brings depth to an all-white palette through the controlled layering of two contrasting glazes. Areas of the surface are intentionally left visible under a transparent glaze, revealing the purity of the porcelain beneath, while a soft, pearl-like sheen emerges alongside. This subtle contrast between gloss and matte creates a nuanced play of light, giving the finish a delicate sense of dimension.
The form is first shaped on the wheel, then carefully refined through carving to define its flowing contours. A gently elongated neck rises from the body, its profile marked by a poised, elegant line. The rim opens gently like a magnolia in bloom, rendered in pure white. Balanced proportions and smooth transitions lend the piece an air of restraint, while the overall shape suggests a moment suspended between stillness and movement.
As light shifts, the nuanced textures of the layered glazes reveal a calm rhythm. The contrast between the exposed white body and the radiant surface creates a subtle tension, enhancing the piece with a sense of stillness and understated elegance. This work embodies a harmonious balance of technical mastery and poetic expression, offering a serene yet compelling presence within any space.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size |
D 11 cm (4.3 in) x H 31 cm (12.2 in) [Size of opening] D 9 cm (3.5 in) [Wooden box] L 15 cm (5.9 in) x W 15 cm (5.9 in) x H 36 cm (14.2 in) |
| Weight | 1800 g (63.5 oz) |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Package Type | Wooden box |
Maker / Brand
In the world of Kutani ware, renowned for its vivid and intricate ornamentation, Nakada Hiroshi’s porcelain carves out a singular presence through an unwavering pursuit of white. Its quiet strength emerges not from color but from form itself—guided by a profound attunement to the rhythms and order of the natural world. Rooted in a Kutani tradition defined by its rigorous demand for perfection, Nakada has turned that same exacting spirit inward, stripping away decoration.
Crafts
Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.
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About Artist
Musubi Gallery
Since its inception, MUSUBI KILN has strived to introduce the world to the finest traditional crafts from masters all around Japan.
Here, in the Gallery, we seek to showcase the highest echelon of traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can discover works from masters who have not only perfected those methods, but added their imagination to innovate the craft even further.
Some of these masters have even been named Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, a title bestowed upon them by the Japanese government to formally recognize their contribution to crafts and culture—thereby cementing their legacy and making them an important part of art history.
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over many months to create a timeless treasure that's unlike any other. And when it's in your home, you, too, will become part of that history.
Welcome to the Gallery. Please, peruse at your leisure.
