A Striking Kutani Ware Chawan “Shunjūhara” by Nakata Akimori, with Vivid Blue and Polychrome Decoration This expressive Japanese tea bowl is a work by Nakata Akimori (中田明守), a ceramic artist associated with the Kutani ware tradition. The original signed wooden tomobako bears the title 「春秋原 茶盌」, together with Akimori's signature and red artist's seal. The exterior presents a particularly striking composition. A broad band of brilliant turquoise-blue sweeps around the body, surrounded by freely painted linear motifs and scattered accents of green, yellow and brown. These colorful passages are framed by areas of cream and deep brown-black glaze, creating a strong contrast as the bowl is turned in the hand. Rather than relying on a symmetrical repeating pattern, the decoration flows continuously around the vessel, giving each viewing angle a slightly different appearance. The interior provides a deliberate contrast to the richly decorated exterior. It is covered almost entirely in a warm cream-colored glaze with subtle variations and fine crazing, creating a quiet surface appropriate for the preparation and presentation of matcha. The underside is finished in a deep glossy glaze around the foot and bears the artist's impressed mark. The original wooden tomobako is inscribed: 「春秋原　茶盌」 “Shunjūhara” Chawan and: 「明守」 Akimori together with the artist's red seal. About Nakata Akimori and Kutani Ware Nakata Akimori (中田明守) is a Japanese ceramic artist working within the Kutani ware tradition. His works include tea bowls and other vessels characterized by expressive hand-painted decoration, often combining traditional Japanese motifs with bold arrangements of color. Kutani ware, associated particularly with Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of Japan's most recognizable traditions of decorated ceramics. While historically celebrated for richly colored overglaze painting, modern Kutani artists have continued to reinterpret its characteristic use of color in highly individual ways. This bowl is a good example of that approach, combining vivid color with a freer, more contemporary decorative composition. Dimensions Approximately 12 cm in diameter and 7 cm high. Please refer to the measurement photographs for precise dimensions. Condition Very good vintage condition. No obvious major cracks or repairs are visible. Fine crazing, glaze variation, firing marks and slight irregularities are consistent with the handmade nature of the work. The original signed wooden tomobako is included and shows minor natural signs of age and storage. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. Shipping The tea bowl and its original wooden box will be carefully packed for safe transportation. Shipped from Japan with tracking.