Uran-yaki Tea Bowl by Nakamori Fuiru (Jōshin-yaki) – With Original Signed Wooden Box - Chawan - Porcelain
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Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Uran-yaki tea bowl by Nakamori Fuiru (Jōshin-yaki), porcelain, 13 cm wide and 7 cm high, Japan, dating from the 1960s–1980s, with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and in good condition with minor signs of aging.
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Description from the seller
Please Note:
I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual.
Description:
An exceptionally rare Uran-yaki (ウラン焼) tea bowl created by Nakamori Fuiru (中森不入) of Jōshin-yaki (上神焼) kiln, accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako). The bowl captivates with its vivid and luminous glaze — a mesmerizing interplay of deep crimson, olive green, and iridescent blue — blending seamlessly into the pale clay body.
The color gradation, enhanced by the kiln’s natural alchemy, gives the surface a fluid and almost celestial glow. The transitions between the red and green-blue tones are particularly striking, producing a visual depth that shimmers when viewed under different light angles — a hallmark of high-quality Uran-yaki.
About Jōshin-yaki (上神焼):
Jōshin-yaki refers to pottery produced in the Jōshin region of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Known for its refined local clay and traditional firing techniques, Jōshin-yaki often embodies both rustic warmth and technical sophistication. The kiln’s style is characterized by rich glazes, careful form, and controlled use of natural kiln effects (yōhen 窯変), making each piece distinct and expressive.
About Nakamori Fuiru (中森不入):
Nakamori Fuiru is a distinguished modern Japanese ceramic artist recognized for his innovative glazes and mastery of Jōshin-yaki traditions. His works are admired for their balance between traditional aesthetics and experimental surface chemistry, often achieving remarkable iridescence through precise kiln control. Fuiru’s signature, found on the base and the tomobako, ensures the authenticity and artistry of this rare piece.
About Uran-yaki (ウラン焼):
Uran-yaki, literally meaning Uranium ware, refers to a unique and experimental Japanese glaze style developed during the mid-20th century (circa 1950s–1970s). Uranium oxide, once used in microscopic quantities for glaze coloring (before strict modern regulation), produces brilliant orange-red to green iridescent hues depending on kiln atmosphere.
Because of its difficulty to control and subsequent discontinuation due to material restrictions, authentic Uran-yaki pieces are now extremely rare and highly collectible. This tea bowl exemplifies the pinnacle of that technique — its surface revealing dynamic color shifts that make it appear almost alive with inner light.
Estimated Period:
Likely created in the late Showa period (circa 1960s–1980s), when experimental glaze chemistry and postwar innovation flourished among Japanese ceramic artists. The Uran-yaki glaze’s luster and coloration are consistent with that era’s technical explorations in Jōshin-yaki studios.
Expert’s Insight:
This Uran-yaki chawan embodies the fusion of science and art, reflecting the adventurous spirit of Showa-era potters. The luminous red and blue-green tones evoke a cosmic beauty rarely achieved in ceramic glaze. Its visual energy, combined with the calm, functional form of a tea bowl, creates a compelling contrast — a meeting of tradition and innovation.
Such pieces are seldom seen today due to both material regulations and the extreme technical precision required. For collectors of rare Japanese pottery, this is an important and irreplaceable example of mid-20th-century glaze experimentation.
Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.
Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Please Note:
I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual.
Description:
An exceptionally rare Uran-yaki (ウラン焼) tea bowl created by Nakamori Fuiru (中森不入) of Jōshin-yaki (上神焼) kiln, accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako). The bowl captivates with its vivid and luminous glaze — a mesmerizing interplay of deep crimson, olive green, and iridescent blue — blending seamlessly into the pale clay body.
The color gradation, enhanced by the kiln’s natural alchemy, gives the surface a fluid and almost celestial glow. The transitions between the red and green-blue tones are particularly striking, producing a visual depth that shimmers when viewed under different light angles — a hallmark of high-quality Uran-yaki.
About Jōshin-yaki (上神焼):
Jōshin-yaki refers to pottery produced in the Jōshin region of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Known for its refined local clay and traditional firing techniques, Jōshin-yaki often embodies both rustic warmth and technical sophistication. The kiln’s style is characterized by rich glazes, careful form, and controlled use of natural kiln effects (yōhen 窯変), making each piece distinct and expressive.
About Nakamori Fuiru (中森不入):
Nakamori Fuiru is a distinguished modern Japanese ceramic artist recognized for his innovative glazes and mastery of Jōshin-yaki traditions. His works are admired for their balance between traditional aesthetics and experimental surface chemistry, often achieving remarkable iridescence through precise kiln control. Fuiru’s signature, found on the base and the tomobako, ensures the authenticity and artistry of this rare piece.
About Uran-yaki (ウラン焼):
Uran-yaki, literally meaning Uranium ware, refers to a unique and experimental Japanese glaze style developed during the mid-20th century (circa 1950s–1970s). Uranium oxide, once used in microscopic quantities for glaze coloring (before strict modern regulation), produces brilliant orange-red to green iridescent hues depending on kiln atmosphere.
Because of its difficulty to control and subsequent discontinuation due to material restrictions, authentic Uran-yaki pieces are now extremely rare and highly collectible. This tea bowl exemplifies the pinnacle of that technique — its surface revealing dynamic color shifts that make it appear almost alive with inner light.
Estimated Period:
Likely created in the late Showa period (circa 1960s–1980s), when experimental glaze chemistry and postwar innovation flourished among Japanese ceramic artists. The Uran-yaki glaze’s luster and coloration are consistent with that era’s technical explorations in Jōshin-yaki studios.
Expert’s Insight:
This Uran-yaki chawan embodies the fusion of science and art, reflecting the adventurous spirit of Showa-era potters. The luminous red and blue-green tones evoke a cosmic beauty rarely achieved in ceramic glaze. Its visual energy, combined with the calm, functional form of a tea bowl, creates a compelling contrast — a meeting of tradition and innovation.
Such pieces are seldom seen today due to both material regulations and the extreme technical precision required. For collectors of rare Japanese pottery, this is an important and irreplaceable example of mid-20th-century glaze experimentation.
Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.
Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Details
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Material
Porcelain
Country of Origin
Japan
Designer/Artist/Maker
Uran-yaki Tea Bowl by Nakamori Fuiru (Jōshin-yaki) – With Original Signed Wooden Box
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
7 cm
Width
13 cm
Estimated Period
1960-1970, 1970-1980
