Yuri-Ginsai Pale Azure Flower Pattern Vase

Through his pioneering yuri-ginsai technique, Nakada Kazuo brings a contemporary sensibility to Kutani ware, introducing silver beneath a translucent glaze to create compositions marked by restraint, nuance, and depth. Recognized as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, commonly referred to as a Living National Treasure, he approaches this innovation as a means of extending, rather than departing from, Kutani tradition.

Layers of silver-leaf hanamon (floral motifs) unfold across the vessel’s surface, where two distinct flower forms are arranged in a vertical rhythm. Each blossom is accented at its center with delicate circles of gold leaf, lending the design a quiet sense of refinement and grace. As the viewing angle shifts, the interplay of light and shadow reveals a measured, rhythmic structure. The finely rendered silver patterns appear to hover beneath the glaze, imparting a subtle tension that enriches the work with depth and understated elegance.

At the heart of this work lies silver, a material valued for its inherent clarity and poise. It is enveloped in Nakada’s original glaze, tansei—a pale azure tone that settles gently across the surface, tempering the metal’s brilliance into a softened blue radiance. This translucent veil filters light, guiding silver’s cool character toward a more contemplative presence. Both understated and modern, the finish recalls drifting morning mist and the muted shimmer beneath still water. More than a chromatic choice, tansei establishes spatial depth and conveys an enduring resonance, inviting sustained reflection.

Rooted in the belief that tradition evolves through continual renewal, this vase unites centuries-old craftsmanship with personal exploration. It stands as a quiet reflection of Nakada’s ongoing pursuit of new expression, offering not only visual refinement but also a lasting connection to Japan’s living ceramic heritage—shaped by discipline, imagination, and time.

Nakada Kazuo

His porcelain is marked by remarkable clarity and depth of color, with blues that evoke the sky and sea, both rich and luminous. Even within the world of Kutani ware—famed for its vibrant polychrome palettes—his work commands an overwhelming presence. This is not achieved through traditional pigments, but through a masterful technique unique to Nakada Kazuo: a fusion of silver leaf and translucent glazes that has given birth to an entirely new realm of Kutani porcelain.

Kutani Ware

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.