Cuir Design Boku-sansui Water Jar

The Cuir Design Boku-sansui Water Jar is a piece created by Shinji Hataishi, the fourth-generation head of Imari Nabeshima kiln Hataman Touen, which has been producing Nabeshima ware for about 100 years in Okawachiyama, the birthplace of Nabeshima ware.

One of the most notable features of this piece is the sansui-e (landscape painting), created using sometsuke underglaze blue painting techniques, which spans from the shoulder to the body of the jar. The landscape motif has been a hallmark of Hataman Touen for generations, and the delicate, beautiful scenery, employing gradations and blurring akin to sumi ink painting, gives a profound sense of elegance. Apart from the landscape painting and the knob on the lid, the rest of the piece is entirely black, and crafted with a unique “Cuir” technique that is a completely new expression of porcelain developed by Hataman Touen. Cuir creates a texture and sheen reminiscent of leather, adding a luxurious finish. This contrast, framed by the landscape painting, gives the piece a refined and cohesive appearance. When viewed from a distance, the slightly bulbous shape created by the soft curves and the understated gold-painted decorative motifs resembling cord ties around the body of the jar provide a subtle yet sophisticated accent. The landscape painting on the underside of the lid adds a further exquisite touch to the overall design.

Shinji Hataishi, while making the most of his exceptional painting skills, continues to explore new expressions, creating porcelain works that have never been seen before. This piece is without a doubt a work that embodies his pride both as the head of the kiln and as an artist.