Guinomi / Karatsu / Nishioka Koju
Chosen Karatsu Guinomi by Nishioka Koju
In Karatsu pottery Nishioka Koju(1917-) is a living legend. He has excavated old kilns and studied the ancient ways starting in 1953. He established his kiln in 1973 and his kiln was named by the late great scholar-potter Koyama Fujio. Many other great potters made there way to Nishioka's kiln, creating and firing there; these include Arakawa Toyozo and Fujiwara Kei. In my opinion, as well, his Karatsu is some of the finest ever seen. This wan-gata (bowl-shaped) Chosen Karatsu guinomi is a case in point. The form, glazing and firing are perfection. It's from the Hatayama Collection of Chigasaki city. Hatayama-san is a chajin (Tea-man) who recently had an exhibition of his chashaku or tea scoops. Pieces from his shuki collection were shown in 'The Art of Fire' magazine issue 36, page80. Nishioka's guinomi is 4.8cm.tall and 8.7cm.across, sign etched on base, no box.
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