Today, I visited the pottery sculpture exhibition by Gyokushu Kimura, which I mentioned on the blog the other day, along with the concurrently held Setouchi Sochokai exhibition.
I saw Sensei Gyokushu's magnificent pottery sculptures, which are as powerful as they are intricately detailed.
I also viewed the highly individualistic works of the Sochokai members, which are so impressive it is no exaggeration to call them professional.
This is the sheep figurine that was featured on the solo exhibition leaflet.
This piece was fired with a finish called "Nezumi-kinsai" (mouse gold leaf), giving it a bronze-like appearance.
A wide variety of works are on display.
The artist creates works with diverse coloration using a kiln they built themselves.
Lovely works that utilize a uniquely feminine sensibility are also on display.
It is said that even items like "hohin" (teapots) are all handmade.
Among these, there was one exhibit that particularly caught my eye, and thanks to the owner's kindness, we will be able to display it in our shop, so I would like to introduce it to you.
Gold leaf appears across most of the vessel's surface,
and when combined with the bluish "goma" (ash glaze) throughout, it sparkles in a mysterious, iridescent way as you turn it in your hands.
I have gained a deeper appreciation for the profound nature of Bizen ware.