Hello everyone, how are you all doing?
For this first blog update of the New Year, we have received new works from Mr. Makoto Kaneshige, and I would like to introduce a dynamic rectangular plate that you rarely see.
While this rectangular plate was created some time ago, I was able to acquire it along with the latest new works.
Mr. Makoto Kaneshige is highly acclaimed for his sake vessels, but these pieces offer a somewhat different flavor.
His work is characterized by its strength and boldness; this style matches perfectly with some of the finest clay in Bizen, and the silent yet compelling texture of the earth combined with his vigorous spatula work radiates a supreme sense of presence.
In large-scale works like this rectangular plate, the piece itself becomes like a massive canvas, allowing one to focus on and enjoy his unique and powerful spatula work even more.
It is said that Mr. Kaneshige is very fond of this piece and used it at home to serve food.
It is one of the largest rectangular plates available and has an incredible impact even just as a decorative piece.
Its immense size is such that even our largest plate stand feels a bit precarious.
Due to its own weight when placed horizontally and the shrinkage during firing, a slight distortion occurred on the right shoulder, resulting in a kiln flaw. However, Mr. Kaneshige’s *kintsugi* (gold repair) has transformed this into a striking accent that looks like a bolt of lightning.
Because it was placed horizontally, it caught all the ash, resulting in the entire surface being covered in *goma* (ash glaze).
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the *yohen* (kiln transformation) that looks like a "world map."
It is a truly mysterious transformation that appears to be a mix of scorched ash, *sangiri* (smoky reduction), and peeling ash glaze.
Could this *yohen*, which evokes the image of wild, surging waves, be the origin of the title "Araiso-nami" (Rough Shore Waves)?
Now, in our website update at 8:00 PM today on the 23rd, we will be introducing the latest sake vessels from Mr. Makoto Kaneshige’s recent kiln firing.
These are gem-like new sake vessels where the techniques and clay inherited from Sozan Kaneshige are perfectly fused.
Thanks to Mr. Kaneshige's kindness, we have received some of the finest pieces from this kiln, the likes of which are rarely seen.
We hope you will take a look.
For detailed images of the works, please contact us at the information below.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email to Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Clicking will open your email client)
To the Kawaguchi Tourakuen Homepage