Item Description: This is an exceptional Tanba mizusashi (fresh water container) created by Nishihata Tadashi (1948-), one of Tanba ware's most distinguished contemporary artists. Standing at 17 cm in height with a diameter of 19.5 cm, this piece exemplifies the artist's signature style of powerful faceted forms combined with dynamic ash glaze landscapes. Nishihata is renowned for his bold faceting technique (mentori), where the angular surfaces interact with flowing glazes to create landscapes reminiscent of majestic mountains changing through the four seasons. The play of light and shadow across these faceted planes, combined with the natural ash glaze effects characteristic of Tanba ware, produces a captivating visual depth that draws viewers into contemplation. Tanba ware (Tanba Tachikui-yaki) is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, with origins dating back to the late Heian period. The distinctive feature of Tanba ceramics is the "haigaburi" (ash covering) effect - a natural phenomenon where wood ash from pine logs falls onto pieces during the approximately 60-hour firing at 1,300°C. This ash combines with iron in the clay and applied glazes through chemical reactions, creating unique colors and patterns. The placement in the kiln, ash distribution, and flame contact ensure that no two pieces are ever identical. Nishihata was born in 1948 in Sasayama City and began his ceramic journey in 1969. His remarkable career includes selection for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition beginning in 1986, winning the President's Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1989, the Encouragement Prize at the Tanabe Art Museum Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition in 1990, and the Grand Prize at the same exhibition in 1991. He operates the Sueharu Kiln alongside his daughter, Nishihata Haruna, continuing to create works that honor Tanba traditions while expressing contemporary artistic vision. This mizusashi comes in its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and is in excellent condition, making it an outstanding example for collectors of Japanese tea ceremony utensils or those who appreciate the dynamic sculptural qualities of contemporary Tanba ceramics. Size Height: 17.0 cm Width: 19.5 cm Depth: 19.5 cm Condition Excellent condition with no damage. Artist Profile Nishihata Tadashi (1948-) was born in Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, the heart of Tanba ware production. He began his ceramic career in 1969 and has since become one of the most celebrated contemporary Tanba ware artists, particularly known for his distinctive faceted forms. Nishihata's artistic signature is his bold use of faceting (mentori), creating angular surfaces that interact dramatically with glazes. As glazes flow across these faceted planes, they create landscapes that evoke the changing seasons and majestic mountain vistas, captivating viewers with their dynamic interplay of form, color, and texture. His distinguished career includes numerous accolades: the Encouragement Prize at the Hyogo Prefecture Exhibition in 1976, first selection to the Japan Crafts Association Kinki Exhibition in 1978, and first selection to the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1986. In 1989, he received the President's Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, followed by the Encouragement Prize at the Tanabe Art Museum Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition in 1990 and its Grand Prize in 1991. He held a solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Department Store in 1994 and received the Hyogo Prefecture Cultural Award in 2016. Nishihata operates the Sueharu Kiln, a three-generation pottery studio, alongside his daughter Haruna. While his work honors the ancient traditions of Tanba ceramics - particularly the natural ash glaze effects achieved through wood-firing - his innovative approach to form and surface treatment represents a contemporary evolution of this historic ceramic tradition. His pieces are sought after by collectors and tea ceremony practitioners alike for their powerful presence and the unique landscapes they present. 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.