NISHIHATA TADASHI (1948-) An Ash-Glazed Sculptural Vessel Heisei era (1989-2019), 2015Important works of art from an American private collectionNISHIHATA TADASHI (1948-)An Ash-Glazed Sculptural Vessel Heisei era (1989-2019), 2015The powerful faceted form hand-built from stoneware clay, with a rich covering of rice straw and burnt wood glazesWood tomobako storage box inscribed Kaiyūki (Ash-glazed vessel), signed Tanba Tadashi tsukuru (Made by Tadashi of Tanba) and sealed Tadashi in (Seal of Tadashi); artist's certificate with the same inscription, signature, and seal 11 1/8 x 23 7/8 x 14 1/8in (28.1 x 60.5 x 36cm)For his more recent work Nishihata has drawn inspiration from the ash-glazed ceramic heritage of Tanba (northwest of Kyoto) but instead of relying solely on flying wood ash in the kiln, he creates his own special glazes and applies them to the surfaces of his large vessels prior to firing in a noborigama (multi-chambered climbing kiln). His powerfully faceted potting style boldly transcends issues of functionality versus sculptural form, while part-planned, part-random surface effects achieve his goal of using clay art to evoke the water, forests, and peaks of his native region.