Hirado Chrysanthemum and Running Water Flower Vase
This exquisite porcelain vase, shaped in the graceful form of a gourd, highlights the unparalleled craftsmanship of master artisan Nakazato Ichiro. At first glance, the delicate chrysanthemums, sculpted with extraordinary precision using the kikka-kazari zaiku technique, captivate the eye. Each petal is meticulously carved from porcelain with a pointed bamboo tool, then carefully raised to create lifelike, three-dimensional blooms. Though crafted from the same material, each flower is unique—no two petals or blossoms are ever identical. As the glaze settles and the piece is fired, the once sharp creases soften, echoing the gentle curves of real chrysanthemums.
What truly sets this vase apart is the harmonious fusion of sculptural and pictorial artistry. Below the cascading chrysanthemums, the lower half of the vase is adorned with a sometsuke blue-and-white motif—an elegant depiction of flowing water. The fluid brushstrokes express the quiet movement of a stream, offering a serene contrast to the vibrant texture of the flowers above. In Japan—a land blessed with abundant water—this auspicious motif is often depicted alongside flowers and landscapes, with patterns frequently combined to create layered meanings.
The gentle blue shades in both the sometsuke landscape and the chrysanthemums’ leaves weave the top and bottom sections into a cohesive narrative, while the luminous white porcelain serves as a pristine backdrop to Nakazato’s artistry. The gourd silhouette further accentuates this unity, with its curves guiding the eye from the flowing lines of water to the intricate blossoms, inviting endless admiration.
