A traditional Vase by Nakagawa Jinenbo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Chossen Karatsu Hanaire which represents the continuation of a centuries-old Korean-influenced pottery tradition that became deeply integrated into Japanese ceramic arts, particularly valued in tea ceremony contexts for its unpretentious beauty and subtle sophistication. The form itself embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic that Chosen Karatsu is known for - there's an intentional irregularity and rustic quality that speaks to the hand of the maker. A beautiful example of Chosen Karatsu pottery showcasing the distinctive aesthetic that made this style so prized in Japanese tea culture. It is 13.5 cm (roughly 5-1/2 inches) diameter, 23 cm (9 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
Nakagawa Jinenbo (1953-2011) was a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist always fascinated with Karatsu ware. He studied under the great Inoue Toya from the age of 24. Several years later he returned to his hometown to establish a climbing kiln of his own, which he put to great use. From there, not satisfied with his own skills, he went to Tanaka Sajiro for an additional apprenticeship. Afterwards, as many Chajin artists, he concentrated on private exhibitions as an outlet for his work, shunning the world of mass competition and retail. Known for his inventive surface treatments, he applied dark brushwork onto red iron-rich clay bodies, creating dynamic, textured finishes that spoke to both tradition and spontaneity. His work features richly textured glazes and organic forms reflective of the Karatsu tradition, especially the distinctive Madara Karatsu style, noted for its mottled, natural glazes ranging from milky white to bluish or reddish hues, achieved through wood firing and experimentation with firing techniques. His life and career were cut short far too early, making his work both highly valued and hard to find.
