Flower vessel cast in two different metals.

Tamotsu Hannya

I received the MEXT Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition in 1977 and have been producing pieces using the fukiwake casting method ever since this first award. I received the Japan Kogei Association President Award in 1993. To create a vivid contrast of the black and gold colors, I invented a way of pouring in melted copper and brass alternately from three different pouring gates. In order to establish this method, it took me years of testing the angle of the molds. Recently, I am making pieces using the fukiwake casting method and insert molding method where the parts of the vessel are casted separately and inserted and attached by pouring in melted metal. By combining these two methods, I can create unique, elaborate designs.