A Refined Kutani Ware Chawan “White Plum” by Nakata Akimori, with Plum Blossom Decoration on a Deep Black Glaze This elegant Japanese tea bowl is attributed to Nakata Akimori (中田明守), a Kutani ware ceramic artist known for his colorful hand-painted decoration and floral motifs. The bowl is titled “White Plum” (白梅) on its original signed wooden storage box. The rounded chawan is covered with a deep, lustrous black glaze that provides a dramatic background for the delicately painted plum branches. White plum blossoms emerge across the dark surface, accompanied by restrained touches of green, brown and gold-toned decoration. Rather than filling the entire surface with ornament, the composition makes effective use of the black ground and open space. The scattered blossoms give the bowl a quiet seasonal character, while the contrast between the pale flowers and dark glaze becomes especially striking when the bowl is viewed from different angles. The original wooden tomobako is inscribed: 「白梅　茶盌」 Hakubai Chawan – “White Plum” Tea Bowl and bears the signature 「明守」, together with a red artist's seal. The signature and the style of the work are consistent with works associated with Nakata Akimori (中田明守). About Nakata Akimori and Kutani Ware Nakata Akimori is a Japanese ceramic artist associated with the Kutani ware tradition. His work includes tea bowls and other vessels decorated with flowers, birds and seasonal motifs, often combining traditional Kutani overglaze painting with more contemporary compositions. Kutani ware (九谷焼) is one of Japan's best-known traditions of decorated porcelain and ceramics, particularly associated with Ishikawa Prefecture. It is celebrated for expressive overglaze painting and the use of strong colors, with modern Kutani artists continuing to develop highly individual interpretations of the tradition. The plum blossom is a particularly meaningful seasonal motif in Japanese art. Blooming while winter still lingers, it has long been associated with the arrival of early spring, resilience and renewal. Dimensions Please refer to the measurement photographs for the exact dimensions. Condition Very good vintage condition. No obvious major cracks or repairs are visible. Minor glaze irregularities, firing characteristics and slight signs of age are consistent with a handmade vintage ceramic work. The original signed wooden tomobako is included and shows 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.