Dynamic Black Splashed Vase by Kanjiro Kawai

browse these categories for related items...
Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Stoneware: Pre 1960: Item # 761495

Please refer to our stock # 228 when inquiring.

Click to view additional online photographs

Modern Japanese Ceramics
View Seller Profile
Feel free to visit our gallery
23 Murasakino Monzen-cho, Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
075-201-3497
Guest Book

Vibrant tusty red splashes across the black glazed surface of this sculpted vase by Kawai Kanjiro dating from the 1950s enclosed in a wooden box annotated by his daughter Koha, the head of the Kawai Kanjiro Kinenkan Museum. The vase is roughly 8 by 4 by 4-3/4 inches (20 cm x 12 x 10 cm) and is in perfect condition. Kanjiro was a true artist by nature, and together with Hamada Shoji, set a pattern of study for modern potters. After graduating the Tokyo School of Industrial Design, he came to study in Kyoto, eventually establishing his own kiln on the Gojo-no-Saka (It remains standing today and is a must see for anyone visiting Kyoto). Together with compatriots Shoji and Bernard Leach (with whom he traveled throughout Asia) established the modern Mingei movement in ceramics, the most influential ceramics movement in the 20th century. His research on glazes (of which he developed thousands over a lifetime of work) remains influential as well. Refusing to be limited to ceramics, Kanjiro also worked in bronze, wood and paint. An interesting final note on this unusual artist, when offered the title of Living National Treasure, an honor bestowed on very few, he declined