Nobuhito Nakaoka (仲岡信人), Japanese (b. 1977)

A Tamba Ware Hikidashi-guro Chawan (丹波焼 引出黒 茶碗)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

This striking tea bowl by Tamba ceramic artist Nobuhito Nakaoka demonstrates the dramatic character of the hikidashi-guro firing technique. Formed with a faceted, hand-shaped body, the bowl has a slightly irregular rim and thick walls that give it a strong, sculptural presence. The surface is covered in a deep black glaze created by rapidly removing the vessel from the kiln at high temperature and cooling it quickly, producing the glossy, textured finish typical of this demanding process.

The exterior features carved planes and subtle ridges that catch light across the dark surface, enhancing the tactile quality of the piece. Inside, the glaze pools into a rich black tone, emphasizing depth and contrast with the rugged outer texture. The broad foot and uneven contours reflect the expressive, natural aesthetic associated with contemporary interpretations of traditional Tamba ware.

The bowl is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box and cloth, confirming the artist’s authorship.

Dimensions

8.3cm(h) x 11.2cm(w) x 11.5cm(d)

Footnote

Nobuhito Nakaoka (仲岡信人), born in Osaka in 1977, is a Japanese ceramic artist working in the Tamba ware tradition. After apprenticing under Tamba potter Nishibata Tadashi, he completed ceramic studies at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology in 2001. From 2003 to 2005, he served as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, working as a ceramics specialist in Saint Vincent. He established his independent kiln in Tachikui, Sasayama, in 2006. Nakaoka has been widely exhibited and awarded, including repeated selections for the Tabe Art Museum Award Exhibition for Tea Ceramics, the Kobe Biennale Contemporary Ceramics Competition, and the Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition. His work is noted for carbonized firing effects and a strong balance of sculptural presence and functional form.