An incense burner shaped like a ghost by Shigeo Takemura

Width: 12cm Height: 19.5cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

A work that makes the most of the appeal of ash glaze

Shigeo Takemura's "Ash Glazed Incense Burner" is a piece that stands out for the originality of its shape and the beauty of the ash glaze. The exquisite color scheme, based on gray, with subtle hints of blue, makes excellent use of the expressive power of ash glaze and emphasizes the natural beauty of pottery. The shape, which combines the vividness of color with delicate expressiveness, is simple yet powerful, and has an overwhelming presence that completely transforms the space.

An artistic form that combines stability and delicacy

The ash-glazed incense burner harmonizes the stable structure with the intricate expression of the details, truly highlighting the "beauty of form." This incense burner, whose beauty stands out in its very existence, is made to radiate a unique presence while maintaining the basic principles of pottery. The contrast between the vivid colors and the stable form clearly speaks of the high level of technique and aesthetic sensibility. This work, which can be called a masterpiece of modern pottery, will leave a strong impression on the viewer.

Creation of ash glaze and its profound techniques

His works are made with natural glazes using ashes from plants such as cedar, grapes, and sunflowers, and the individuality of each plant is brought out during firing, resulting in works with unique expressions. He has been devoted to making glazes incorporating natural materials for over 30 years. The ash used during firing is obtained by burning natural plants outdoors, and the small amount of ash that is obtained is then used to remove impurities using water, and the ash is purified over a long period of time in a time-consuming process. This method is based on a time-honored technique handed down from ancient China, and brings out the profound potential of natural materials.

The history of pottery making and the refinement of techniques

Shigeo Takemura was born in Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture in 1953 , and decided to become a potter when he was in high school. After graduating from the pottery department of Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School, he studied under Morinobu Kimura, a holder of the intangible cultural property designated by Kyoto Prefecture. He became an apprentice at the age of 18, and after eight years of training, he went independent in 1980 and opened "Dainichigama" in Yamashina, where he has devoted himself to creating works.

The natural expressions in the artwork

Shigeo Takemura's "Ash Glazed Incense Burner" is a perfect fusion of the individuality of natural materials and the deep color of the ash glaze, bringing new value to contemporary pottery. Its presence goes beyond the boundaries of pottery to reveal the presence of a work of art, making it a masterpiece that crystallizes technique and aesthetic sense.

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