Karatsu Nanban Sake Server

Karatsu Nanban is a technique developed in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, by Takashi Nakazato, the father of Taki. When Takashi was making pottery on Tanegashima, an island in Kagoshima Prefecture, he began to use a technique known as yakishime, in which unglazed pottery is fired at a high temperature to take full advantage of the iron-rich clay. After returning to Karatsu, he used red clay from the local mountains to create this unglazed Karatsu Nanban style.

Taki, who inherited this technique, has also created many yakishime style works, and Karatsu Nanban is one of his signature styles. There is something charming about the lovely rounded shape of this katakuchi lipped bowl, which is formed using a gyubera, a traditional Japanese wooden throwing tool shaped like the letter J, and turned on a traditional potter’s kick wheel. The carefully crafted spout is so sharp that you can enjoy every last drop of sake. The clay, emerging in rainbow colors from the inherently unpredictable process of firing, shows a lustrous and glossy expression when moistened with sake.

Surrounded by nature and filled with sunlight, the dishes and bowls created in Taki’s studio reflect the warm personality of an artist who cares deeply about the experience of the people who use his creations. Once in your hands, the time you spend savoring sake and food will feel even fuller and richer.