26078 Living National Treasure Nakata Kazuo Pale cherry blossom glaze with silver-colored flower and bird design bowl NAKATA Kazuo

Height 14.7cm
Diameter 36.4cm

Nakata Kazuo is a Japanese ceramic artist known for his underglaze enamel technique. On July 18, 2025, he was recognized by the Council for Cultural Affairs as the first person to be designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in the field of underglaze enamel, a type of ceramic technique.

Nakata Kazuo was born and raised in a Kutani ware workshop, and at the age of 18 he joined the Nakata Kinen Kiln, which has a history of over 100 years. He received instruction from the third generation Tokuda Yasokichi and established his own unique techniques.

Underglaze silver glaze technique
Nakata's signature works are made using a technique called "Yuriginsai," in which silver foil is applied under a highly transparent glaze. This technique is acclaimed for breathing new life into the traditions of Kutani ware. Silver foil is considered extremely difficult to work with, but Nakata has been able to express the shading and depth of light by combining it with a glaze he mixed himself. His works, which combine a pale blue glaze with silver glaze, are particularly highly acclaimed.

Awards and Achievements
Nakata has received numerous awards since receiving the Japan Crafts Association Encouragement Award at the 29th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1982. In 2002, he was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture, and in 2011 he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in recognition of his contributions to the preservation and transmission of traditional crafts. In 2019, he was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.

Pale cherry blossom color and pattern
"Pale cherry blossom" refers to a soft cherry blossom color. By painting flower and bird, leaf, and floral designs in silver glaze under this pale cherry blossom colored glaze, elegant and refined pieces are created.

The appeal of the work
Delicate expression Because there is silver foil underneath the glaze, the silver shine remains without coming into contact with air, and the color changes little over time.