Tsukigata Nahiko (月形那比古), Japanese (1923–2006)

A Shino Bowl (志野鉢)

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

This large Shino bowl by Tsukigata Nahiko exemplifies his powerful approach to Mino traditions. The wide, generous form rises from a stable foot to a broad rim, its surface covered with a thick feldspathic glaze in soft tones of white and pale gray, deeply crackled with bold iron brushwork accents. The interplay of glaze pooling, natural firing effects, and deliberate brushstrokes create a dynamic surface full of rhythm and depth. Monumental in scale yet intimate in feeling, the piece embodies Nahiko’s balance between strength and sensitivity, hallmarks of his celebrated career.

The work is preserved with its original signed wooden storage box and explanatory insert, affirming its authenticity and provenance.

Dimensions

7.2cm(h) x 26cm(w) x 25cm(d)

Footnote

Tsukigata Nahiko was a pivotal figure in postwar Japanese ceramics, especially within the Shino revival movement. Born in 1923 in Gifu Prefecture—the heartland of Mino ware—he was instrumental in the development of Oni-Shino, known for its fiery, elemental aesthetic. Nicknamed “The Potter of Flame” and “The Monk Potter,” Tsukigata’s work spans ceramics, painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and seal carving. He passed away in Toki, Gifu in 2006, leaving behind a profound legacy in modern Japanese ceramic art.