Plum blossom vase by Shigeo Takemura

Width: 14.5cm Height: 17.0cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

The beauty of the glaze resembles a snowy landscape

Takemura Shigeo's "Baikakawa Flower Vase" has a unique beauty with its thickly applied white glaze that is reminiscent of a snowy winter landscape. The white of this glaze is not just white, but creates unevenness on the surface of the clay, giving it an appearance as if it were covered with a thin layer of snow. Furthermore, the surface of the clay is partially visible, giving a sense of rich color and warmth, and making it clear that the work is built on strong clay.

The history of "Kairagi" - the origin of the word "baikakawa" and its tradition

The name of the glaze " Kairagi " has a unique origin that dates back to the Warring States period. At that time, ray and shark skin called "Kairagi" was used to decorate the handles of swords and katanas, and when it was polished, a pattern resembling a plum blossom emerged. In reference to this beauty, the characters "Umehanahi" came to be used to describe the appearance of the plum blossom-like pattern floating on the surface of the glaze.

The strength of the clay and the delicacy of the glaze

Baikakawa vases are not just vessels for displaying flowers, but also have a presence as beautiful sculptures that can be appreciated as they are . By bringing out the beauty of the natural ash glaze, which is the artist's specialty, to the fullest and combining the strength of the clay with the delicacy of the glaze, the piece has an overwhelming presence that draws the viewer in. The thickness and texture of the glaze bring out the strength of the clay, giving it a sense of stability and a delicate expression at the same time.

A modern masterpiece that combines presence and charming details

The Umekakawa vase has a particularly strong presence among his works, and is endowed with overwhelming beauty . Its form is stable, yet gives a sense of movement, fully bringing out the charm of ceramics. Furthermore, the white Umekakawa pattern that appears on the surface of the glaze simultaneously expresses the beauty of nature and the strength of ceramics. It can truly be called a modern masterpiece.

Shigeo Takemura and his passion for natural ash glazes

Shigeo Takemura is known as a leading expert on natural ash glazes , and for over 30 years has been creating works using unique glazes made from the ash of natural materials. The glazes that Takemura creates from natural ash are made through a time-consuming and laborious process in which he burns plants and tree branches, and then washes the resulting ash with water to remove impurities. His works reflect his deep understanding and passion for this natural material, and the appeal of ash glazes is that each piece has a different expression.

A brief biography of Shigeo Takemura and his unique techniques

Shigeo Takemura was born in Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture in 1953, and studied under Morinobu Kimura, a holder of the Kyoto Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property. After graduating from the ceramics department of Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School, he continued his training and in 1980, he went independent and opened Dainichigama . Since then, he has continued to create works using natural ash glazes, producing many masterpieces with his own unique glazes and techniques.

Baika-kawa flower vase that combines natural beauty with modern sensibility

The Baikakawa Flower Vase is a work that combines the techniques Shigeo Takemura has cultivated over the years with his reverence for nature, and beautifully expresses the profound charm of natural ash glaze. The white glaze of this piece is reminiscent of a snowy landscape, and it is loved by many people not just as a vessel, but as a work of art that resonates with nature.

Shigeo Takemura Biography

1953: Born in Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture 1972: Graduated from Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School, Ceramic Department - Studied under Professor Kimura Morinobu 1975: First selection at the 4th Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition 1978: Selected for the Kyoto Prefecture Crafts and Arts Exhibition 1980: Became independent and opened Dainichi Kiln in Yamashina 1988: Selected for the 35th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1989: Founded the Tsuchi no Ko-kai 1990: Selected for the 37th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1996: Encouragement Award at the 25th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 1998: Selected for the 53rd Shinsho Crafts Association Exhibition 2001: Solo exhibition at the Kyoto Crafts and Arts Association Exhibition, Takashimaya, Kyoto 2002: Selected for the 49th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2003: Solo exhibition at Okayama Takashimaya Art Gallery 2005: Solo exhibition at Yokohama Takashimaya Art Gallery 2006: Solo exhibition at Kyoto Takashimaya Art Gallery 2007: 36th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition, Kyoto Prefecture Board of Education Superintendent Award, Certified as a full member of the Japan Crafts Association Solo exhibition at Okayama Takashimaya Art Gallery 2008: 36th New Ceramics Exhibition by a full member of the Japan Crafts Association Ceramics Division, Japan Crafts Association Award 2009: Selected for the 56th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2010: Appointed as a judge for the 39th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 2014-2018: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 2019-2020: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition 2023: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2024: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition