Ceramic sake cup · Gumpu Nakamura · Ishikawa
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Glazes developed independently — color mixtures adjusted to within 0.00001 grams, firing temperatures controlled to the degree.
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The piece appears glistening — moist, even wet — though no water remains. A paradox at the heart of the work.
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Rooted in biology and ecology — the work of a creator who found that the true essence of life lives in art, not data.
Science as a foundation for art
What stands out in the work of Gumpu Nakamura is not virtuosity alone — it is obsession. With a scientific approach, he devotes his life to creating textures and colors that don't exist in the world, yet undeniably exist within himself.
Raised in a coastal fishing village in Ishikawa Prefecture, Nakamura developed a deep curiosity about life from a young age. He studied biology at university and continued into graduate school to research ecology — until he began to feel that scientific approaches were treating life as an object. He came to believe that the true essence of life could be found not in data, but in art. Thus began his path as a creator.
Nakamura often says, "Ceramics is science." Because the materials needed to realize his visions are not commercially available, he conducts independent research and development of glazes. Color mixtures are adjusted to within 0.00001 grams, and firing temperatures are controlled to the degree. The result is a series of works that shine with luminous clarity and transparency.
In the artist's own words
While clay and fire are typically emphasized in ceramics, I place the highest value on water. It is water that makes clay moldable and allows glaze to be applied. Yet because firing is essential, water inevitably evaporates and cannot remain in the final piece.
That is why I began to wonder — could the trace of water be captured and remembered within the work itself? Though water is no longer physically present, the piece appears as if it is glistening, moist, even wet. This paradox lies at the heart of the work.
Since the piece also functions as a sake cup, great care has been taken to ensure it feels pleasant to hold and offers a smooth drinking experience.
Specifications
W 2.5 × D 2.5 × H 2.7 in (63 × 63 × 68 mm)
Shipping
Ships within 2 weeks · Shipping cost included in price
Note
This product is also available at our other stores. If it is out of stock at the time of your order, we will contact you promptly to cancel the order and issue a full refund.
