Tadashi Nishihata (西端正), Japanese, b. 1948
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A White Glazed Serving Platter (白釉盛皿)
Heisei Era (1989-2019)
About the work
A large sculptural serving platter by Tadashi Nishihata, a prominent contemporary ceramic artist associated with Tamba ware. The vessel is formed in an asymmetric, leaf like shape, with a broad curved body rising towards a pointed upper edge. Its generous scale and shallow profile give the work a strong sculptural presence while retaining its function as a serving platter.
The upper surface is dominated by soft white and ivory tones, enlivened by sweeping marks that follow the contours of the form. Across the lower section, the glaze becomes heavily textured and crackled, revealing dark linear decoration beneath. These layered lines introduce a sense of movement across the surface and contrast with the quieter expanse of white glaze above.
The underside reveals further effects of glazing and firing. Broad passages of smoky grey and black appear beneath the pale surface, interspersed with areas of exposed reddish clay. Three small feet lift the platter from the surface, emphasising its shallow profile and allowing the work to be appreciated as a sculptural object from different viewpoints.
The platter is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako, together with the artist's cloth and documentation.
Dimensions
5cm(h) x 43.5cm(w) x 38cm(d)
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.