Glass "YOBITUGI" Tea Container [Name: Kōetsu Ryuusui] (5th Generation Tatsumura Heizō × Nishinaka Yukito)

<p>We are pleased to present a collaborative work by <strong>Heizo Tatsumura V</strong> and glass artist <strong>Yukito Nishinaka</strong>.<br> This unique creation brings together the philosophy of Heizo Tatsumura V—<em>"The Dynamic Spirit and Liberation of Japanese Aesthetics"</em>—and Yukito Nishinaka's artistic vision of <em>"Destruction and Rebirth."</em> Entitled <strong>"Koetsu Ryusui"</strong>, this one-of-a-kind work takes the form of a traditional <em>nasu</em> (eggplant-shaped) tea caddy. Its design draws inspiration from the swirling water motifs (<em>Tomoe-mizu</em>) found in the decorative papers of the celebrated <em>Koetsu Utai-bon</em>, exquisite Noh chant manuscripts created by <strong>Hon'ami Koetsu</strong>. The shimmering movement of light across flowing water is beautifully reinterpreted through Nishinaka's signature <em>Glass Yobitsugi</em> technique, resulting in a truly unique work of art.</p> <p><em>Glass Yobitsugi</em> is a unique technique in which the artist intentionally breaks a hand-crafted glass vessel and reconnects the fragments using molten glass. The concept is inspired by traditional Japanese restoration techniques such as <em>Kintsugi</em>, in which broken ceramics are repaired with lacquer, and <em>Yobitsugi</em>, where fragments from different ceramic pieces are joined together with lacquer to create an entirely new work. Reimagined in glass, this process transforms destruction into renewal, giving each piece an unrepeatable character.</p> <p>The accompanying <em>Shifuku</em> (protective silk pouch) is crafted from <strong>Saiki-mon</strong>, a textile woven using the <strong>Takanami-ori</strong> technique developed by Heizo Tatsumura I. Its elegant design captures the graceful movement of seasonal wildflowers in flowing forms. The pouch was custom tailored by renowned <em>Shifuku</em> artisan <strong>Keiko Tada</strong>.<br> The lid is handcrafted by Kyoto lacquerware artisan <strong>Hyoetsu Miki</strong>, completing this carefully curated work of exceptional craftsmanship.</p> <p><strong>■ Glass Artist – Yukito Nishinaka</strong><br> Working under the theme of <em>"The Brilliance of Life, Rebirth, and the Eternal Cycle,"</em> Yukito Nishinaka creates glass artworks inspired by the timeless aesthetics of Japan. His signature series include <em>Glass Yobitsugi</em>, in which shattered glass is reconstructed into new forms, and <em>Glass Karesansui</em>, expressing the eternal cycle of the universe and life through glass. Using recycled glass as his primary medium, Nishinaka explores the transformative nature of glass—breaking, melting, and reconnecting—to express a world of renewal, continuity, and perpetual circulation.</p> <p> <a href="https://nishinaka.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Official Website of Glass Artist Yukito Nishinaka </a> <br> <span style="font-size:0.9em; color:#666;"> *This external website (Yukito Nishinaka Official Website) will open in a new tab. </span> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> Please note that this tea caddy is <strong>not</strong> made of heat-resistant glass. To prevent damage, it is intended for use with <strong>cold tea only</strong>. Please do not pour hot liquids into the vessel or use hot water when cleaning. </p>