Contemporary Chadogu

Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. is a fine art gallery that is exclusively devoted to showcasing Modern ceramic works of art from Japan.

Since our beginning in 1989, we have been focused on highlighting important Japanese ceramics to the contemporary art scene in New York City. The gallery has introduced pieces to the permanent collections of several major museums including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Indianapolis Art Museum, The Princeton University Art Museum, and many more.

We are committed to providing leading expertise to collectors, liaising with artists, and showcasing inspiring exhibitions and artworks. We welcome you to contact us for more details.

18 East 64th Street, Ste. 1F

New York, NY, 10065, USA

www.daiichiarts.com

FOREWORD

It is my great pleasure to introduce to you our summer exhibition of Japanese tea ware This show is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the art of slow living which are embedded in the art and cultures of Japanese ceramics. In Japan, the tea ceremony, or chanoyu 茶の湯, has been a cornerstone of the country's cultural heritage for centuries. Rooted in Zen philosophy, the tea ceremony represents a way of life that values simplicity, harmony, and mindfulness. At its core, it is an invitation to slow down, to appreciate the present moment, and to cultivate a sense of connection with others and with nature From Tea bowls (chawan 茶碗), water jars (mizusashi ⽔指), to tea caddies (chaire 茶⼊れ), this show is sure to delight your senses

The tea bowl, or chawan, is an essential element of the tea ceremony. Its aesthetic appeal, married with its necessary utilitarian quality, offers a means for its beholder to contemplate modern aesthetic ideals. What’s more, the water jars, or mizusashi, is a fresh water vessel used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Typically an earthenware or stoneware jar, the water jar is an aesthetic anchor for the tea gathering They might be presituated in the tea room prior to the ceremony, or carried in by the host or hostess during the ceremony Meanwhile, chaire, or tea caddies, are used to store the powdered green tea As a vessel for storage, contemporary potters explore the range that traditional chaire forms and designs offer, such as the katazuki (or high shouldered form).

All these objects are also works of art in their own right, and they play an important role in creating the meditative atmosphere of the Japanese tea ceremony

The 40 objects presented in this exhibition are a testament to the diversity of styles, techniques, and artistry that can be found in contemporary Japanese ceramics. From the most traditional forms, to the most daring and innovative, these objects showcase the vitality of the craft and its enduring relevance in our fast-paced, everchanging world Collecting tea bowls, water jars, and chaire is not just a hobby or a pastime: it is a way of life that can bring many benefits to those who embrace it

The tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is not only a cultural heritage in Japan but also an embodiment of the principles of slow living and mindfulness. It is an opportunity to take a break from the fast-paced world and to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. One of the key concepts in the tea ceremony is "ichi-go ichi-e," 期 會 which means " one time, one meeting " It emphasizes the uniqueness and impermanence of each moment and chance encounters The tea ceremony is a way to celebrate and cherish each moment and each person, creating a sense of connection and appreciation

It is undeniable that our lives today are filled with the conveniences and instant gratification that previous generations could only dream of From instant communication through emails to the availability of necessities at our fingertips, our modern world moves at a rapid pace However, in the midst of this fast-paced lifestyle, we often find ourselves yearning for a sense of calm and tranquility.

As the rhythm of our lives seems to accelerate, it becomes increasingly important for us to consciously slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures that surround us The practice of collecting tea bowls, water jars, and chaire, along with embracing the principles of slow living and mindfulness, provides us with an opportunity to counterbalance the speed of our daily routines It allows us to reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with the beauty of the present moment.

I would also like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my talented team for their unwavering dedication and support Without the remarkable contributions of Kristie Lui, Haruka Miyazaki, and Yoriko Kuzumi, this exhibition would not have been possible Their passion and expertise have brought these exquisite objects to life, allowing us to share their beauty and significance with you

In conclusion, I invite you to join us in this exploration of slow living, mindfulness, and the art of collecting tea bowls, water jars, and chaire. May this exhibition serve as a reminder to embrace the present moment, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the invaluable contributions of those who have made this endeavor possible

By slowing down and taking the time to observe and appreciate the beauty of these objects, we can learn to appreciate the beauty of the world. By sharing a bowl of tea with our loved ones, we can strengthen our bonds and deepen our relationships. By living in the moment and cultivating a sense of mindfulness, we can find peace and tranquility in the midst of our busy lives

I warmly invite you to view our summer collection of tea ware, and to take a moment to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese chadogu. It is my wish that in doing so, you may discover the joys and benefits of slow living. Whether you are an experienced collector or a curious newcomer, I am confident that you will find something to inspire and delight you in this exhibition.

Beatrice Chang, May 2023

T E A B O W L

Here, the English potter Bernard Leach elaborates on the tea ceremony with a statement on the immaterial aesthetic ideals tied to the Japanese tea ceremony

Leach describes that in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the ceramic tea bowl, it is necessary to engage its utility. Indeed, the tea bowl provides a contemplative and utilitarian anchor for the innately meditative Japanese tea ceremony. Not only is the optical quality of chawan an essential part of its meditative identity, but so are its physical properties In other words, the chawan holds value in characteristics that lie beyond the visual relationship between the beholder and the tea bowl’s surface. For example, particular attention may be paid to the weight of the bowl. Its mass may emphasize a more ethereal and gentle character, or a powerful and robust quality. The temperature of the clay’s glazed surface at first touch, and subsequently over time, is also a core component of the appreciation of a tea bowl. Contemporary potters produce work that is fertile ground for providing such sources of inspiration

“Cha-no-yu may be defined as an aesthetic of actual living, in which utility is the first principle of beauty.”

When you hear the splash

Of the water drops that fall Into the stone bowl

You will feel that all the dust

Of your mind is washed away

Sen no Rikyu

Tsujimura Yui 辻村唯 (b. 1975)

White Shino Tea Bowl 白志野筒茶盌

With Signed Wood Box

Glazed Stoneware; (h) 3.5"x (diameter) 5.5"

Hayashi Shotaro 林正太郎 (b. 1947)

Red Shino Split Foot Small Bowl 赤志野割高台

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3" x (diameter) 3.5"

Higashida Shigemasa 東田茂正 (b. 1955)

Oribe Tea Bowl 3 織部茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 4.8" x (w) 4.7" x (d) 5.0"

Yamada Kazu 山田和 (b. 1954)

Hikidashi-kuro Tea Bowl 引出黒茶, 1990's

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3.7” x (diameter) 4.9”

Takiguchi Kiheiji 瀧口喜兵爾 (b. 1937) Black Oribe Tea Bowl 織部黒茶碗

With Signed Wood Box Stoneware; (h) 3"x (w) 5.3 x (d) 5.1"

Group of Tea Bowls

Ichikawa Toru 市川 透 (b. 1973)

Kakurezaki Ryuichi 隠崎隆 (b. 1950)

Tea Bowl 茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3.6" x (w) 5" x (d) 4.6"

Suzuki Goro 鈴木五郎 (b. 1941) Narumi Oribe Tea Bowl 鳴海織部 茶椀 With Signed Wood Box Stoneware; (h) 3.5" x (w) 5.2" x (d) 5.1"

Kamada Koji 鎌田幸二 (b. 1948)

Yohen Yuteki Tenmoku Tea Bowl & Silver Rim 油滴窯変 茶椀

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3" x (diameter) 5"

Nakamura Kinpei 中村錦平 (b. 1936)

Tea Bowl

茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 4.2" x (diameter) 5.8"

Hoshino Tomoyuki 星野友幸 (b. 1976)

Haze Tea Bowl 霞碗 With Signed Wood Box

Glazed Stoneware; (h) 3.5" x (diameter) 4.2"

Hoshino Tomoyuki 星野友幸 (b. 1976)

Deep Red Glass Mini Tea Bowl 紅玻璃小服 With Signed Wood Box

Glazed Stoneware; (h) 2.5" x (diameter) 3"

Tsujimura Yui 辻村唯 (b. 1975)

Persimmon Glazed Tea Bowl 柿ノ蔕茶盌

With Signed Wood Box

Glazed Stoneware; (h) 2.7 x (diameter) 5.5"

Tsujimura Yui 辻村唯 (b. 1975)

Tea Bowl with White Clay Slip; 刷毛目茶盌 With Signed Wood Box

Glazed Stoneware; (h) 2.7" x (diameter) 5.7"

Uchida Koichi 内田鋼 (b. 1969)

Platinum Glazed Tea Bowl 白金彩, 2019

With Signed Wood Box

Matsutani Fumio 松谷文生 (b. 1975)

Brown Tea Bowl 褐 茶碗, 2021

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3" x (diameter) 4.5"

Matsutani Fumio 松谷文生 (b. 1975)

No.34 Yellow Tea Bowl 黄盌, 2022

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 2.9" x (diameter) 4.2"

Kawase Shinobu 川瀬 忍 (b. 1950) Tea Bowl 玲流茶椀

With Signed Wood Box and Accompanying Catalog

Celadon Glazed Porcelain; (h) 3" x (diameter) 4.7"

Kato Tsubusa 加藤委 (b. 1962)

Seihakuji Tea Bowl 青白磁 茶碗

With signed wood box

Porcelain with Seihakuji Celadon glaze; (h) 3.1" x (w) 5.7" x (d) 5.5"

Sugimoto Sadamitsu 杉本貞光 (b. 1935)

Aka Tea Bowl 茶碗

With Signed Wood Box and Shifuku Stoneware; (h) 3.6" x (diameter) 4.7"

Tani Q 谷穹 (b 1977)

(Left) TQ-1 Shigaraki Travel Bowl 信楽 旅茶碗, 2021

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3.4” x (diameter) 3.5”

(Middle) TQ-5 Shigaraki Travel Bowl 信楽 旅茶碗, 2021

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3 3” x (diameter) 3 6”

(Right) TQ-2 Shigaraki Travel Bowl 信楽 旅茶碗, 2021 With Signed Wood Box Stoneware; (h) 3 4” x (diameter) 3 6”

(Left) Kinjo Jiro 金城次郎 (1912-2004, LNT)

Tea Bowl 茶碗

With Signed Wood Box; Stoneware; (h) 3.6" x (diameter) 5.2"

(Middle) Murata Gen 村田元 (1904-1988)

Tea Bowl 茶碗

With Signed Wood Box; Stoneware; (h) 3.5" x (diameter) 4.8"

(Right)

Kinjo Jiro 金城次郎 (1912-2004, LNT)

Tea Bowl with Fish Drawing 魚紋茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3" x (diameter) 4.7"

Kawamoto Goro 河本五郎 (1919-1986)

Tea Bowl with Cobalt Glaze 染付鳥茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Porcelain; (h) 3.1" x (diameter) 4.2"

Kawamoto Goro 河本五郎 (1919-1986)

Tea Bowl with Cobalt Glaze 染付鳥茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Porcelain; (h) 3.1" x (diameter) 4.2"

Kawamoto Goro 河本五郎 (1919-1986) Yellow Ash Glazed Tea Bowl 黄灰釉 茶椀 With Signed Wood Box Stoneware; (h) 3.5" x (diameter) 4.6"

Ueda Naokata V 五代 上田直方 (1928-2016)

Tea Bowl 茶碗

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3.1" x (diameter) 5.2"

W A T E R J A R

The element of water is present in the tea ceremony as embodied in the Mizusashi, or fresh water jar.

Typically an earthenware or stoneware jar, the Mizusashi is an aesthetic anchor for the tea gathering. This means that the Mizusashi is a main object in the ceremony which defines the aesthetic theme for the ritual, usually defined by the host in an act of poetic curation They might be pre-situated in the tea room prior to the ceremony, or carried in by the host or hostess during the ceremony.

Intended for carrying fresh cold water, it is usually a lidded container sometimes accompanied by a custom made lacquer lid along with its original ceramic lid. If the original container isn’t accompanied by an original ceramic lid, then a lacquer lid is used.

Contemporary Mizusashi is marked by diversity in form, and innovation in new expressions of water vessels. Coming in a wide range of shapes and sizes, our selection of 20th and 21st century Mizusashi spotlights tea traditions as a longstanding location of artistic expression and tastemaking in the history of Modern Japan.

Suzuki Goro 鈴木五郎 (b. 1941)

Shino Water Jar 志野水指

With Signed Wood Box

Shino Stoneware; (h) 8" x (diameter) 7.6"

Mori Ichizo 森 蔵 (b. 1945)

Seihakuji Water Jar 青白瓷水指

With Signed Wood Box

Porcelain with Celadon glaze; (h) 7" x (diameter) 6.6"

Sawa Kiyotsugu 澤 清嗣 (b. 1948)

Shigaraki Water Jar 信楽おにおけ水指

With Signed Wood Box; Stoneware

(h) 7" x (diameter) 8.2"

Yamada Kazu 山田和 (b. 1954) Ki-seto Water Jar 黄瀬戸水指, 2000's With Signed Wood Box; Stoneware (h) 7.8" x (diameter) 7.95"

Furutani Michio 古谷道生 (1946-2000)

Shigaraki Water Jar 信楽水指

With Signed Wood Box; Stoneware

(h) 7.5" x (diameter) 7.5"

Hara Kiyoshi 原 清 (b. 1936)

Water Jar With Lines On White Slip 白掻落線文水指

With Signed Wood Box, lid repaired with gold

Glazed Stoneware; (h) 5.7" x (diameter) 6.5"

Warren MacKenzie (1924-2018) Oribe Water Jar; Stoneware (h) 7” x (diameter) 6 5”

T E A C A D D Y

Of the many kinds of tea ceremony utensils, the tea caddy is a small but essential aspect to the tea ritual. First recorded as a reputable part of the tea ceremony in the 16th century, Oda Nobunaga instituted a “Tea Ceremony Policy''. In this document, he selected practitioners to perform his tea ceremonies, and instituted the tea caddy as a mandatory aspect of the ritual The tea caddies shown in this exhibition showcase a high shouldered form. This is a unique tea caddy design type called “Katasuki”, an elegant form.

Within Katasuki forms, we also find variations, such as Narashiba (high shouldered form with a circular torso), Hatsuana (high shouldered form with an oval oblong torso, with a small base), and Nitta (high shouldered form with a slightly rounder torso, and a wider base)

The tea caddies offered in this exhibition are cylindrical in form, or tsutsugata, which offer a surface area to show off yakishime glazes in a scrolling composition.

In this show, we aim to introduce you to the wonderful range of tea caddy forms that the tea ceremony offers From traditional Yakishime surfaces, to the avant garde and pictorial decorative forms of contemporary artists

Mori Togaku 森陶岳 (b. 1937) Bizen Chaire 茶入 With Signed Wood Box Stoneware; (h) 3.5" x (diameter) 3"

Abe Anjin 安倍安人 (b. 1938) Bizen Tea Caddy 備前茶入

With Signed Wood Box Stoneware; (h) 4” x (d) 2.7”

Oishi Sayaka 大石さやか (b. 1980)

Pair: Rabbit Guinomi うさ器, 2022

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 2.7”x (w) 2.7” x (d) 2.7”

Oishi Sayaka 大石さやか (b. 1980)

Pair: Tea Caddy 茶入, 2023

With Signed Wood Box

Stoneware; (h) 3.9” x (w) 3.3” x (d) 2.7”

© Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd., 2023

Authorship: Beatrice Chang, eds. Kristie Lui

Catalog production: Haruka Miyazaki, Yoriko Kuzumi

Editorial & Catalog design: Kristie Lui

www daiichiarts com