Tadashi Nishihata (西端正), Japanese, b. 1948
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A White Glazed Ceramic Box (白釉陶筥)
Heisei Era (1989-2019)
About the work
A substantial white glazed ceramic box by Tadashi Nishihata, composed of a square container and fitted domed cover. The softly rounded corners and gently irregular geometry give the work a sculptural presence, balancing the solidity of the lower body with the swelling, organic form of the lid.
The cover is enveloped in a thick white glaze that pools, crawls and breaks across the surface, revealing glimpses of the darker clay beneath. Subtle blushes of pink, grey and brown emerge among the creamy white tones, while the heavily textured surface creates an almost geological appearance. Around the lower edge, the pale glaze gives way to a broad band of exposed reddish brown clay, deeply incised with vigorous linear markings.
With the cover removed, the interior presents a striking contrast. The inside of both box and lid is covered in a comparatively smooth white glaze, while the unglazed contact surfaces reveal the warm reddish clay body. The base bears the artist's impressed mark.
The ceramic box is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako, together with documentation.
Dimensions
12.8cm(h) x 19.5cm(w)
Footnote
Tadashi Nishihata (西端正, b. 1948) is one of the notable contemporary artists associated with Tamba ceramics. Born in Sasayama, Hyōgo Prefecture, in 1948, he began making pottery in 1969 and became particularly recognised for his powerful faceted forms and richly flowing glazes. His work was first selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1986, followed by numerous subsequent selections. He received the Matsushita Prize at the Japan Kōgei Association Kinki Exhibition in 1988 and the President of the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1989. His achievements in tea ceramics include the Encouragement Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art's Chanoyu no Zōkei exhibition in 1990, the Grand Prize in 1991 and the Excellence Award in 1992, which he later received on two further occasions.