Large Vase Somenishiki Himawari Sunflower | Kousai Kasahara Traditional Craftsperson work [265001]

[size]
Width: 28.5cm / Height: 33cm
Width: 11.2in / Height: 13in

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This is a work by Kosai Kasahara, a leading figure in the art of Arita ware.
With a gentle and delicate touch, the piece vividly depicts blooming sunflowers on a summer day. The vibrant yellow blossoms exude life and energy, capturing the full vitality of midsummer in this dynamic, large-scale work.

As indicated by the term *"Some-Nishiki"* in the product title, this piece employs both *sometsuke* (underglaze blue) and *nishiki-e* (overglaze enamels) techniques.
*Sometsuke* involves painting designs onto the bisque-fired porcelain before glazing, while *nishiki* refers to adding vivid colors such as red and green after the glaze has been fired. Both techniques are highly challenging on their own, and combining them requires exceptional skill, particularly in terms of composition and balance.

With a commanding presence measuring 28.5 cm in diameter and 33 cm in height, this exceptional piece showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship honed in Arita.



[Potter Profile]
Traditional craftsperson
Kosai Kasahara

Kosai Kasahara is a certified traditional craftsperson specializing in underglaze painting for Arita ware. He is a leading figure in the world of Arita fine ceramics, known for designing and producing vases and large plates. He has presented numerous bold and innovative works while making full use of traditional techniques.


Biography:
1957 ? Born in Arita, Saga Prefecture
1973 ? Began training in large-scale decorative painting under master painter Masateru Furukawa
1977 ? Joined Koueimon Kiln, where he was involved in design and painting
1987 ? Studied ink landscape painting under the late Ichiji Kanetake, a nationally recognized master craftsman
1992 ? Became independent and founded the Kasahara Kosai Kiln
1995 ? Certified as a traditional craftsperson
2012 ? Began teaching decorative painting techniques to younger generations at the Saga Prefectural Ceramic Industry Association


[Major Exhibitions and Awards]
* National Traditional Craft Exhibition
* Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition (Technical Excellence Award)
* Saga Prefectural Exhibition (Ceramic Arts Association Award)
* Western Japan Craft Exhibition
* Saga Prefectural Art Association Exhibition
* West Japan Ceramic Exhibition
* And many others