Yang-glazed tea bowl by Shigeo Takemura

Width: 11.0cm Height: 10.0cm

A conversation with Shigeo Takemura and Yotaro Takemura

The warmth and elegance of Yokoyu glaze

Takemura Shigeo's "Yokouyu Tea Bowl" is characterized by its " Yokouyu " glaze, made by mixing ashes from sunflower trunks and flowers. The subtle changes unique to natural ash glaze occur in the kiln, and the surface of the tea bowl takes on a passionate yellow color while also creating an elegant and calm appearance. This Yokouyu glaze is an exquisite blend of the strength of the clay and the delicacy of the glaze, evoking the beauty and warmth of nature that we pursue. The vitality of the sunflower resides directly in the piece, and its warm presence captures the hearts of those who see it.

Beautiful shape and excellent stability

Takemura's skill shines through in every aspect of the shape of this tea bowl. It is composed of soft lines while still maintaining a sense of stability, and is filled with beauty that goes beyond functionality. Subtle irregularities and curves are utilized within the overall simplicity, and no matter what angle you look at it from, it shows perfect balance with absolutely no waste. Furthermore, while the shape is stable, delicate expression can be seen, making it a masterpiece that truly brings out the charm of this tea bowl to the fullest.

The depth of color of the Yokoyu glaze made from natural materials

The main ingredient of Yokoyu is sunflower ash, which is obtained by burning sunflowers grown in fields. By incorporating sunflower ash into the glaze, vivid colors with natural warmth are created. The color changes depending on the temperature, time, and firing environment during firing, and the soft yellow hue changes from moment to moment in the kiln . This unique personality of Yokoyu enhances the uniqueness of handmade pottery. Takemura carefully observes these natural glaze changes to express the ideal color and texture.

The breath of nature and passion in the ingredients

For over 30 years, Shigeo Takemura has been passionate about making glazes using natural ash. At the root of his work is the idea of ​​incorporating the strength of nature into his work, and the ash he uses is obtained from plants such as cedars, grapes, and sunflowers. Sunflowers are grown in fields , and the trunks and flowers are burned to produce glazes from the ash collected. This commitment to materials, the pursuit of modern beauty while using traditional techniques, and the infusion of individuality into each piece symbolize his attitude toward pottery making.

The painstaking process of making glazes

To make natural ash glaze, it is an enormous effort to burn several truckloads of plants and tree branches to collect just a handful of ash. This is dissolved in water, and the water is changed many times, and the scum and impurities are carefully removed before the ash glaze is finally complete. It is because of this process that the deep colors and warmth of nature are present in the works, making them one-of-a-kind pieces.

Biography and history of pottery

Shigeo Takemura was born in Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture in 1953, and studied under Morinobu Kimura, a holder of the Kyoto Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property. He began his career in pottery during high school, graduating from the pottery department of Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School and becoming an apprentice at the age of 18. After eight years of study, he went independent in 1980, opened Dainichi Kiln , and has devoted himself to creating his own works. His ash-glazed works are highly regarded for the beauty of their texture and shape, which make the most of natural materials, and are considered modern masterpieces.

Overwhelming presence and universal beauty

Shigeo Takemura's "Yokouyu Tea Bowl" is a work that brings out the beauty of nature to the fullest, combining the strength of the clay with the warmth of the glaze. The interesting shape and depth of color give it an overwhelming presence, and it is considered a modern masterpiece of pottery. The beauty that evokes the power of nature created by the yokouyu glaze is the crystallization of a passion for pottery making, and it will surely be handed down to future generations as a piece that captivates the viewer.

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