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

A Tamba Ware Sake Cup (炭化盃 )

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

About the work

This sake cup by Nobuhito Nakaoka of Shinrin Kiln represents a contemporary interpretation of Tamba ware grounded firmly in traditional wood-fired practice. The form is compact yet open, rising gently from a small foot to a broad, shallow bowl that sits comfortably in the hand. Its slightly irregular rim and subtly shifting profile give the piece a quiet sense of movement and individuality, characteristic of hand-built and wheel-thrown works shaped through direct engagement with clay.

The surface is defined by a carbonized firing (tanka), resulting in deep charcoal and iron-rich tones punctuated by areas of warm, earthen blush where flame and ash interacted with the body. Fine pitting and natural firing marks remain visible, preserving the raw texture of the clay and emphasizing the material honesty of the vessel. Both visually and tactually, the cup balances rustic strength with refined usability, offering a soft lip and stable weight suited to repeated use.

The work is accompanied by its original wooden storage box, cloth, and descriptive leaflet, ensuring authenticity and careful preservation.

Dimensions

4.3cm(h) x 8cm(w)

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.