Hirado Chrysanthemum Flower Vase
Serene and luminous, this porcelain vase is truly breathtaking. Crafted in the elegant silhouette of a gourd, it exemplifies the pinnacle of refined artistry. Chrysanthemums, sculpted with meticulous precision, embellish its surface, each petal shaped to evoke the soft, lifelike curves of real flowers. Layer by layer, these blooms come to life.
This piece showcases the kikka-kazari zaiku technique, realized through the exceptional artistry of Nakazato Ichiro. This intricate method involves carving individual petals directly out of porcelain, a process that demands technical mastery and artistic sensitivity. Each petal, carefully shaped with a slender bamboo tool, reveals delicate creases and organic contours. And yet, no two blooms are ever alike, as every flower is shaped entirely by hand.
The all-white porcelain allows the craftsmanship to shine, highlighting the purity in its design and the complexity in its technique. Under varying lighting conditions, the dialogue of light and shadow accentuates the exquisite beauty of its sculpted petals and gentle curves.
The gourd-shaped silhouette provides a graceful foundation, complementing the natural arrangement of the chrysanthemums and their inherent rhythm. Every sculptural element, from the hand-carved petals to the soft contours of the foliage, draws the viewer’s eye and rewards a lingering gaze.