Anagama No.4 - Connected Spheres

Keisuke Iwata

• Introduction

  I am Anagama No.4 Connected Spheres. I started as two separate vases, but the flames had other plans. Now, I’m forever joined—a reminder that some connections are simply meant to be.
  

   

• Curator's Notes 

  This piece is one of those rare moments when the unpredictability of the kiln gives birth to something entirely unexpected and poetic. Keisuke Iwata tells us that these two spheres—one large and one small—were originally meant to be separate pieces. To protect them from breaking during firing, Iwata-san often places a seashell between the pieces, allowing the shell to leave beautiful imprints or colorations. But in this case, the shell disintegrated, and the force of the flames caused the two vases to fuse into one form.

  What we love most about this piece is how the accident feels so intentional. The larger sphere and smaller one, connected through this chance, feel almost symbolic. Perhaps it’s because I recently became a mother, but there’s something incredibly moving about the way these two spheres have come together, seemingly pulled by nature’s force. Each has a small opening to hold a sprig or plant, but the true beauty lies in how the piece speaks to the unpredictability of creation. It’s a perfect reflection of both the power of the Anagama kiln and the delicate balance of nature’s hand in Iwata-san’s artistry.

   

  Anagama No.4 - Connected Spheres was curated by Angélique Chmielewski

   

• Designer/Maker 

  Artist: Keisuke Iwata

   

   

• Specifications

  Dimensions: 

  6.0” (w) x 8.0” (l) x 4.5” (h) or 152mm (w) x 203mm (l) x 114mm (h)
  

   

  Weight: 

  2.2 lb or 1.0 kg

   

  Materials: 

  Ceramic

   

• Details
  • One-of-a-kind functional sculpture vase handmade by Keisuke Iwata in Fukuoka, Japan
  • Flowers and water can be contained in the small opening carved out in the large sphere and two small holes in the small sphere
  • Created using an ancient Japanese ceramic technique that involves an Anagama woodfired kiln, fired in a ceremonial process by Keisuke Iwata
  • Anagama works are each unique to the clay's own intimate interactions with the flames and ash
  • Features unique markings, seashell imprints, ashened areas and irregular surface texture
  • Keisuke Iwata's signature carved on the bottom of each adjoining piece
  • Larger sphere measures 6.0" (152mm) in diameter, and small sphere measures 3.0" (76mm) in diameter 
  • Water can be inserted into the small holes via a liquid syringe or by submerging the vase in a bucket of water 
  • Watertight material
    
  • If necessary, handwash with a mild soap and soft cloth
• Return Policy
  Returns or Exchanges may be done within 14 days from purchase date. We kindly ask that all valid returns must be in unused condition with attached tags and packaging. Nalata Nalata will not accept any returned merchandise without prior written communication and valid Return Authorization Number. Upon inspection and approval, Exchange or Store Credit will be provided, No Refunds. All sale items and discounted merchandise are Final Sale and cannot be returned. Read More