Glazed clay incense burner by Yotaro Takemura

Width: 20.5cm Height: 9.5cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

A symbol of beauty with a gradation from red to white

The "Yudoisai Incense Burner" is a masterpiece that stands out for its beautiful gradation that changes from red to white . Its smooth color transition goes beyond its practical use as pottery, bringing tension and beauty to the space. It does not have to be used as an incense burner, its elegant form can be enjoyed as an object of appreciation , and it exudes a presence in both Japanese and Western-style rooms. In particular, its pop and contemporary appeal will be highlighted when displayed in a Western-style room.

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Glazed Mud Series: A new ceramic art born from the fusion of color and texture

Yotaro Takemura's "Gudoisai Series" is highly acclaimed for its vibrant colors and unique textures . This incense burner is also characterized by its vibrant color transitions from red to white, and its bold colors, reminiscent of pop art and graffiti , embody a modern beauty that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of ceramics.

The glaze is sprayed on with an air spray to create delicate patterns and subtle color changes, resulting in smooth gradations and a rich, delicate texture on the surface of the glaze.

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Dainichigama: Yotaro Takemura's pottery studio that combines tradition and innovation

Dainichigama , where Takemura Yotaro works, is a traditional kiln located in Yamashina, Kyoto, which was opened 43 years ago by his father, Takemura Shigeo. While protecting the traditions of Kiyomizu ware , he pursues new forms of ceramic expression by making full use of his own techniques and sense of color. His works are characterized by modern designs that capture the essence of Kiyomizu ware, making full use of glaze blends and unique decorative techniques.

By using vivid glazes such as coral red, black, and cerulean blue , and spraying them with air spray, the surface of the incense burner has a rough texture and delicate patterns. The colorful colors and bold shapes of the works captivate the viewer.

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Aesthetic tension created by the gradation from red to white

The smooth gradation of the "Yudoirosa Incense Burner" from red to white is visually beautiful, bringing a pop yet serene beauty to any space. This subtle color transition was achieved using the air spray technique, and the texture is also pleasant to the touch .

This incense burner creates a beautiful contrast in any space, whether Japanese or Western, but its modern and pop aspects will be emphasized especially when placed in a Western-style room. Takemura's glazed clay series provides a moment where contemporary art and traditional crafts intersect in everyday life .

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The Innovation of Yotaro Takemura: A Ceramicist Paving the Way for the Future of Kiyomizu-yaki

His works embody the fusion of tradition and innovation . His "Glazed Muddy Color Incense Burner" is rooted in the traditions of Kiyomizu ware, but also transcends those traditions with a contemporary expression. This incense burner is worthy of being a work of art that goes beyond its function of burning incense, and its graceful form and color capture the hearts of those who see it.

While preserving the traditions of the pottery that his father founded, Takemura-san is always searching for new forms of expression . The Glazed Deisai series is a crystallization of beauty that combines sensibility and technique, and its existence points a new direction to contemporary pottery.

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Artistic value born from sensitivity

The "Yudoirosa Incense Burner" is a work that combines the tradition of Kiyomizu ware with the beauty of contemporary art . The smooth gradation from red to white is visually captivating and leaves a deep impression on the viewer. Its elegant yet modern form brings a quiet sense of tension to the space, and it exists as a pure work of art beyond its function as an incense burner.

Takemura's work represents an innovative approach to contemporary ceramics and his "Glazed Muddy Incense Burner" symbolizes breathing new life into traditional Kiyomizu ware.

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Biography of Yotaro Takemura

Born in Yamashina, Kyoto in 1981
2009: Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Technical College, Molding Course
2010: Completed the Kyoto City Industrial Testing Center Ceramics Training Course Started making pottery with his father, Shigeo, at Dainichi Kiln
2011: Selected for the 40th "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition" National Culture Festival Kyoto 2011 Art Exhibition "Crafts" Encouragement Award
2012: Selected for the 41st "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition" Selected for the Kyoto Art and Crafts Biennale
2013: Selected for the 42nd "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition" Solo exhibition at Takashimaya Kyoto store, Art and Craft Salon
2014: Selected for the 43rd "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition"
2015: Selected for the 44th "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition"
2016: Selected for the 45th "Japanese Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition"