Glazed muddy water jar by Yotaro Takemura

Width: 15.3cm Height: 19.0cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

Glazed mud-colored water jar by Yotaro Takemura: Vivid gradations created by the harmony of modern sensibility and tradition

Yotaro Takemura's "Glazed Muddy Water Jar" is a work that strongly reflects his unique sensibility. While based on the traditional techniques of Kiyomizu ware, the vivid colors reminiscent of modern pop art and graffiti are innovative and captivating to the viewer. In particular, the beautiful gradation from red to black in this water jar is the culmination of Takemura's technique and creativity.

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Bright colors and bold expressions

The Glazed Deisai series is a unique collection of works by Takemura Yotaro, who respects the traditions of Kiyomizu ware while incorporating a modern sensibility. In this series, the gradations that change from red to black are particularly striking, creating delicate color changes on the surface of the pottery. To achieve this, Takemura Yotaro uses a technique of spraying the glaze with an air spray . The subtle overlapping of the sprayed glaze leaves a vivid impression on the viewer, and the bold use of colors reminiscent of pop art or graffiti gives a sense of freshness.

This technique of spraying glaze is something that Yotaro Takemura has been pursuing for many years, and it gives the entire vessel a three-dimensional feel and depth. The delicate patterns created by the spray technique and the dynamic expression created by the color change from red to black go beyond the traditional framework of tea utensils, and enhance the value of the vessel as a work of art.

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The History of Dainichi Kiln and the Innovation of Yotaro Takemura

Dainichigama, where Takemura Yotaro works, is located in Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, and is a pottery studio with deep roots in the area, where the tradition of Kiyomizu ware remains strong. The studio was opened by his father, Shigeo, over 40 years ago, and has been run by two generations of his family. Despite its deep history as a pottery studio, it continues to innovate by making use of its unique sensibilities while preserving its traditions.

He makes his own tools to match the shape of the vessel, and does not compromise on his work. The glazes he uses are also his own mixture, and his work is characterized by his unique expression using glazes made from compounds rather than plant ash . In particular, the Glazed Muddy Color series uses bold colors such as vivid coral red, black, and cerulean blue, and the striped patterns and rough texture are created by spraying the glaze.

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The beauty of colorful glazed mud-glazed water jars

Takemura Yotaro's "Glazed Muddy Water Jar" has a beautiful gradation that changes from red to black , giving the entire vessel an elegant look. This gradation is not just visually beautiful, but a unique expression that is full of technical skill. The smooth, flowing glaze and the depth of the colors stand out, and the delicate expression captivates the viewer. While it has practical use as a vessel, it also has a strong presence as an art piece, and is highly regarded both as a tea ceremony utensil and as contemporary ceramic art.

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Challenge and innovation

Yotaro Takemura respects the traditions of Kiyomizu ware that he inherited from his father, Shigeo, but he is always searching for new ways of expression. In particular, his works vividly express a modern sensibility in the mixing of glazes and his unique decorative techniques. The gradation that changes from red to black symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation that he pursues, and this aesthetic can be felt throughout the entire Glazed Deisai series.

The works of Dainichigama are highly acclaimed by tea ceremony utensil and art lovers both in Japan and abroad, and he is now attracting attention as one of Kyoto's leading ceramic artists. His glazed mud-colored water jars are particularly popular, and as a piece that combines sensibility and technique, he is expected to continue to receive further acclaim in the future.

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Glazed mud-colored water jar: A masterpiece that combines traditional and modern beauty

The "Glazed Muddy Water Jar" by Takemura Yotaro is a masterpiece that perfectly blends tradition with modern sensibilities . The beautiful gradation that changes from red to black gives the entire vessel a unique expression that captivates the viewer. While this piece is practical as a tea ceremony utensil, it also has high artistic value and expresses the innovation and high level of technique that the potter pursues.

Dainichi Kiln's history will continue to pave the way for new possibilities in ceramics. Its works are symbols of beauty that is constantly evolving, not limited by traditional boundaries.

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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"