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Original Wooden Box
Living National Treasure
D10cm×15cm H10.5cm
This is a magnificent ceramic covered box (Tobako / Gousu) crafted by Koichi Tamura (1918–1987), a designated Living National Treasure and Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Tiehui (Underglaze Iron Painting). Tamura is celebrated as a master who established a deeply lyrical and innovative world in modern Japanese ceramics.
The rectangular body, possessing a commanding presence, is covered in a beautiful matte, opaque glaze that creates a warm, rustic, yet sophisticated surface texture. On the lid, Tamura’s signature motif—the crane—is depicted through sharp, rhythmic incised lines. The traditional symbol of the crane soaring into the sky is sublimated into a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that feels strikingly contemporary, resembling modern graphic design.
A remarkable and unique feature is found on the reverse side of the lid (and inside the base). Along with a dynamic, powerfully brushed central motif, the dates "July 7th" (七月七日) on the right and "Showa 47" (昭和四七 / 1972) on the left are personally inscribed by the master's own hand. This reveals that the piece was created on the poetic day of the Tanabata (Star Festival) in 1972, serving as an extraordinary and dramatic historical testament to his creative process. The artist's signature character "Ko" (耕) is also clearly inscribed in underglaze iron next to the date.
While perfectly embodying the "Yo no Bi" (beauty of utility) in its practical size, this exceptional piece also serves as a captivating sculptural object that brings an overwhelming sense of artistic pedigree and dignity to any space. Harmonizing the core spirit of the Mingei (Folk Art) movement with a sharp modern sensibility, this rare work represents a pinnacle of ceramic art and holds immense collectible value.
Koichi TAMURA
1918 - 1987
Koichi TAMURA, throughout his long career, demonstrated a mastery of wheel throwing, glazing and firing techniques. Since childhood, he showed a talent for drawing and assisted his father, a third generation doll maker. It was a seminal visit to the mingei (folk art) potters Hamada Shōji and Sakuma Tōtarō in nearby Mashiko that drew him to the field of ceramics. Initially his works showed the influence of Hamada, but quickly he became known for iron-glazed works that featured reddish-brown, persimmon glazed wax-resist designs against a black ground. A further innovation was his application of brushed white hakeme glaze beneath his iron-oxide patterning. Later on, he further augmented these designs with copper red and lastly experimented with a celadon green glaze ground. His work is characterized by strong brushwork and lyrical, asymmetrical designs. He was designated in 1986 as the National Living Treasure for tetsu-e techniques (iron-glazed patterned ceramics).
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