Sometsuke Tako-Karakusa Small Jar by Ryuzumi Nakao [218002]

[size]
Width: 16.5 cm / Height: 19 cm
Width: 6.5 in / Height: 7.5 in

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This small jar features an intricate Tako-Karakusa pattern painted entirely in deep indigo blue on a softly luminous white porcelain body. Fine curling motifs of varying sizes flow continuously across the entire surface, complementing the refined, rounded form of the vessel and creating a presence that is both delicate and richly expressive.

Karakusa, or arabesque, has long been cherished in Japan as an auspicious pattern symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and vitality. Its endlessly extending vines represent continuous growth and enduring life. Among the many variations of Karakusa, "Tako-Karakusa" is a traditional design characterized by densely repeated curling lines and spiral-like forms. The seemingly endless continuation of the pattern also conveys a wish for lasting prosperity.

The beautiful contrast of pure indigo blue and white, characteristic of traditional Sometsuke underglaze painting, combines with the extraordinarily detailed pattern to create a piece that rewards close appreciation from every angle.


[ Artist Profile ]
Ryuzumi Nakao
Full Member of the Japan Kogei Association / Member of the Saga Ceramic Art Association / Member of the Arita Ceramic Art Association

Ryuzumi Nakao is known for his exceptionally intricate patterns and designs, meticulously hand-painted across the entire surface of his works using a fine brush. His auspicious motifs are created through an extraordinarily painstaking process, with each individual element repeatedly painted by hand.

1953 - Born in Arita, Saga Prefecture
1974 - Studied wheel throwing under Manji Inoue, a Living National Treasure, at the Ceramic Research Institute
1976 - Studied painting under Mitsuta Ide
1998 - Became a Full Member of the Japan Kogei Association
2005 - Established Senryu Kiln

[ Major Awards and Exhibitions ]

1979 - First selected for the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition
1979 - Received the Taku Mayor's Award at his first entry in the Saga Prefectural Art Exhibition
1981 - First selected for the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition
1981 - First selected for the Saga Art Association Exhibition

1987 - Selected for the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition
1987 - Received the Fukuoka Mayor's Award at the Western Japan Kogei Exhibition
1987 - Received an Encouragement Award at the West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
1987 - Received the Governor's Award at the Saga Art Association Exhibition

1988 - Received an Honorable Mention at the Saga Art Association Exhibition
1989 - Selected for the Issuikai Exhibition for the seventh time
1997 - Received the Saga Prefecture Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Award at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition
2004 - Selected for the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition

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