Item Description 河井武一 Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989) - Nuribunke Haritsukemon Square Vase This exceptional square vase exemplifies the mingei aesthetic that Kawai Takeichi inherited from his renowned uncle and master, Kawai Kanjiro. The piece features a sophisticated "nuribunke" (color-divided application) technique combined with "haritsukemon" (applied relief decoration), creating a harmonious interplay of glazed surfaces and textural elements. Kawai Takeichi studied under Kanjiro for nearly four decades, mastering the traditional mingei glazing techniques including gosu (cobalt blue), shinsha (copper red), ame-yu (amber glaze), and tetsu-yu (iron glaze). This vase demonstrates his mature command of these techniques, with carefully divided color zones that showcase the depth and richness characteristic of his work. The square form represents a departure from traditional rounded ceramic vessels, reflecting the modernist influences within the mingei movement. The applied decorative elements add dimensional interest to the flat planes of the squared body, creating subtle variations in light and shadow across the surface. This piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming its authenticity and provenance. The box authentication is an important aspect of Japanese ceramic collecting, providing documentation directly from the artist's workshop. Kawai Takeichi was a member of the Kokugakai (National Painting Society) and served as a committee member for the Japan Folk Crafts Museum New Works Exhibition. In 1976, he established the Nantan Kiln in Kameoka, Kyoto, where he continued to create works in the mingei tradition until his passing in 1989. His works bridge the pioneering generation of mingei ceramists and contemporary Japanese pottery, making them highly valued by collectors of modern Japanese ceramics. Size Height: 24.5 cm Width: 10.5 cm Depth: 10.5 cm Condition The vase is in good condition with no major damages. Minor signs of age-appropriate wear may be present, consistent with a vintage ceramic piece from the Showa period. Artist Profile Kawai Takeichi (1908-1989) was born in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, and was the nephew of the legendary mingei potter Kawai Kanjiro. In 1927, at age 19, he began his apprenticeship under Kanjiro and remained his most devoted student for nearly 40 years until Kanjiro's death in 1966. During his apprenticeship, Takeichi worked alongside Bernard Leach and other prominent figures in the mingei movement. He absorbed the complete repertoire of Kanjiro's techniques and aesthetic philosophy, becoming the primary inheritor of his uncle's ceramic legacy. After achieving independence in 1953, Takeichi developed his own artistic voice while remaining faithful to mingei principles. In 1964, he held solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington, New Zealand, introducing Japanese folk craft ceramics to international audiences. In 1976, he established the Nantan Kiln in Kameoka, Kyoto, installing both a climbing kiln (noborigama) and gas kiln. This workshop became the foundation for the Kawai family's continued ceramic production, which has now reached its third generation with his grandson Kawai Akiteru. Takeichi was a member of the Kokugakai (National Painting Society) and served as a committee member for the Japan Folk Crafts Museum New Works Exhibition. His works are characterized by their warm, earth-toned glazes, robust forms, and deep connection to the utilitarian beauty championed by the mingei movement. He passed away in 1989, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be highly regarded by collectors and museums specializing in modern Japanese ceramics. NOITICE: 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.