Item Description 中村梅山 Nakamura Baizan A refined yunomi (tea cup) crafted by Nakamura Baizan, a celebrated ceramicist from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for his distinctive technique of "iro-e zōgan" (polychrome inlay on earthenware). This piece exemplifies his unique artistic vision: a warm terracotta-based stoneware body covered with a creamy off-white slip glaze, upon which bold, gestural brushstrokes in charcoal black and cobalt blue cross the surface in dynamic, abstract patterns — evoking the energy of ink painting translated into ceramic form. The highlight of the composition is a golden-yellow bird rendered in the "zōgan" (inlay) technique, its feathered body textured with fine scale-like markings, captured mid-flight against the abstract background. The interior is glazed in a warm ivory tone with natural flowing marks from the potter's hand, while the rim is finished in a deep tenmoku-style dark glaze. The flat unglazed base bears the artist's impressed seal. The work is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako) bearing the artist's handwritten title and seal in red. Nakamura Baizan was a pioneering figure in modern Japanese ceramics, working from his studio in Kanazawa. He deliberately chose to remain outside the public exhibition circuit, stating in his potter's record: "Fire is a demon, clay is a trickster — for fifty years I have opened the kiln in joy and anxiety. I follow my own feelings, wherever my spirit leads." His technique of embedding polychrome enamel into earthenware clay bodies produced a striking contrast of rustic texture and vibrant color unique in the world of Japanese ceramics. Size Height: 4.8 cm Width: 6.3 cm Depth: 6.3 cm Weight 80 g Condition This piece is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs; minor natural kiln variations and surface texture are inherent to the artist's hand-built aesthetic. Artist Profile 中村梅山 Nakamura Baizan was a highly individual ceramicist based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, celebrated for his singular technique of "iro-e zōgan" — the inlaying of vivid polychrome enamel motifs into rough-textured earthenware. He inherited the family kiln and devoted his life entirely to personal artistic exploration, deliberately avoiding public juried exhibitions. His potter's statement, written in his own hand, reflects his philosophy: to follow fire, clay, and his own instincts without compromise. His work bridges the expressive freedom of abstract painting with the ancient traditions of Kutani ceramic culture, and is represented in select collections and galleries in Kanazawa to this day. His son, Nakamura Takuo, continues the Baizan kiln tradition into the present generation. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.