Black and white silver-colored ceramic box by Kazuhiro Matsukawa

Black and white silver-painted ceramic box (by Kazuhiro Matsukawa) W8.0 x D4.2 x H4.2cm

This piece seems to encapsulate night and light in a small box that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The depth of black and the quiet brilliance of silver. The two textures switch diagonally, and the expression changes with just a slight change in angle. The monotone, which tends to be inorganic, retains the "warmth of pottery" - I feel that this tension is the strength of Matsukawa Kazuhiro's work.

Ⅰ Shape: A "box" yet like a sculpture

This piece is based on a rectangle, with the top of the lid gently rounded. The neatness of the straight lines and the slight bulge combine to give it both the compactness of a tool and the presence of an object. The boundary line between the lid and the body (the joint) tightens the overall outline of the piece, creating a tranquil tension.

II. White, Black, and Silver—Three Layers of Silence

The black surface is not simply black, but a deep tone that reflects the light and creates subtle fluctuations. When the silver glaze surface is layered on top of it, a subdued metallic glow appears, rather than a glossy reflection. Although the silver glaze appears uniform in a photograph, in reality it is accompanied by a "landscape" of grain and shading, and the impression changes depending on the viewing distance. The black sinks, while the silver breathes. The antagonism between the two creates a sense of depth that surpasses the small size of the box.

III. Use: As an incense holder or as a container for storing "blank space"

Ceramic boxes have long been popular as tools for storing incense. When used as an incense holder, the act of opening the lid becomes a small ritual in itself, helping to create a pleasant atmosphere in the room.
At the same time, this piece naturally blends into modern life. For example, small pieces of incense or fragrant wood, sugar candy or small dried sweets, accessories, keys, seals, travel accessories - just by gently storing away "items that tend to get scattered," order will be restored to your desk. Its appeal lies in the fact that it can be used as a tool to store away empty space without being limited to a specific purpose.

Ⅳ Handling Precautions (Regarding Ginsai)

The color of the silver glaze may fade over time or change over time due to the environment. This is a unique feature of silver glaze, but we recommend the following to maintain its beauty. After use, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth (avoid abrasive cloths) . Do not leave moisture or oil on the product for long periods of time. Avoid using in the dishwasher or microwave. Store in a low-humidity location (using a desiccant may also be effective if the product is too tightly sealed).

Black and silver, hard and soft, tranquility and subtle brilliance. These opposing elements are precisely balanced within this small 8cm wide box. This is a piece that will accompany you for a long time, both as a tea ceremony tool and as a daily table decoration.

Biography

1977 Born in Kawachinagano, Osaka Prefecture
1998 Graduated from Nara College of Arts, Ceramic Art Course
2000 Graduated from Nara College of Arts
2001 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Technical College and studied under Takahiro Kondo
2006 Independent and opened a kiln in Kawachinagano City

Major solo exhibitions and exhibitions

2007 Kyoto Prefecture Fine Arts and Crafts New Artists Selection Exhibition (Kyoto Museum)
Two-person exhibition (Matsuzakaya Nagoya Art Gallery/Nagoya)
Solo exhibition (Kyoto Takashimaya Art and Craft Salon/Kyoto)
2008 Solo Exhibition (Campanule/Chiba)
Solo exhibition (Paramita Museum Small Gallery/Mie)
2009 Solo Exhibition (Gallery Espace/Nagoya)
2010 Solo Exhibition (Sapporo Mitsukoshi Art Gallery/Hokkaido)
Solo exhibition (Matsuzakaya Nagoya Art Gallery/Nagoya)
Solo exhibition (Alpark Tenmaya Art Gallery/Hiroshima)
2011 Solo Exhibition (Ceramics Gallery Furyo/Osaka) ('07)
2012 Solo Exhibition (Gallery Okumura/Tokyo) ('07 '09)
2013 Solo Exhibition (Lovely Hall 20th Anniversary Event/Osaka)
2014 Solo Exhibition (Tenmaya Hiroshima Hatchobori Art Gallery/Hiroshima) ('11)
2016 Solo Exhibition (Tenmaya Fukuyama Art Gallery/Hiroshima) ('08 '12)
Three-person exhibition (Hakata Hankyu Muse/Fukuoka)
2017 Solo Exhibition (Pinacotheca / Tokyo) ('14 '15)
Solo exhibition (Tenmaya Okayama Art Gallery/Okayama) ('08)
Solo exhibition (Atelier Hiro/Osaka)
2018 Solo Exhibition (Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Art Gallery/Tokyo)
Solo exhibition (Takashimaya Osaka Gallery NEXT/Osaka) ('08 '11 '15)
2020 Solo Exhibition (Hana Asagi/Tokyo)
2021 Solo Exhibition (Gallery Tachibana/Nara) ('15 '17 '19)
2022 Two-person exhibition (Hana Asagi/Tokyo)
2023 Two-person exhibition (Atelier Hiro/Osaka)
2025 Two-person exhibition (Hana Asagi/Tokyo)
Solo exhibition (Midorigaoka Museum of Art/Nara)

Awards

36th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (Osaka Prefecture Board of Education Award)
55th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Japan Crafts Association President's Award)

Public Collection

Midorigaoka Museum of Art