“Kinzan Kiln” Shining In An Era of Change【Article 2】

Tradition Is Reborn Time and Again

At the Kinzan Kiln, while the artist family inherits and keeps intact the traditions, each artist also pursues their own Kutani ware artistry. In viewing these pieces, some say they look traditional, while others say they look innovative. What has changed or evolved as well as what has remained the same for over a century of its history. This may very well be the essence of Kutani ware.

Another Change Has Come

When you visit Yukio's workspace, you will be surprised as it does not look like that of a traditional craft artist. The third generation Minori’s workspace consisted of a tatami mat with a modest table on it, whereas in Yukio’s studio, he sits across a large computer monitor manipulating the latest Mac equipment.

“This is an application called “TOMONAMI” that I am working on in collaboration with Alexi Andre, a researcher at Sony CSL. For almost three years now, as part of our Creativity Acceleration research, I have been experimenting with integrating this kind of technology into traditional crafts, to see how it may change the outcome of my pieces. In my father's time, there were great advances in mechanical aspects such as kiln control panels, but in today's age, these have become digital and are evolving at an accelerated pace. I do want to try different things before I lose touch and can no longer keep up with the times.”

Yukio's work showcases a wide variety of expressions by layering multiple colors, changing the texture of the base material, and applying gold paint. He explains the creative process in two segments. Imagination (ideation) and Production (hands-on work). The software TOMONAMI is designed to speed up the process of imagination/ideation.

“In my head, I can only envision maybe a composition of 8 colors in three different layers at most. Since we used to hand-sketch this ideation process, it used to take an enormous amount of time before we even got to the hands-on production of the piece. Moreover, as one gains more experience in production, we become aware of our physical and technical limitations and become less inclined to think outside the box or exceed those limitations. TOMONAMI allows you to extract color tones from photos that you have taken, and instantly develop infinite patterns and combination based on the settings, until you arrive at a something that feels right. These settings and parameters have also been tuned to approximate my preferences, based on my past evaluation of the experiences. Alexi who is an artist herself believes that the power to generate ideas and the power to evaluate them are the essence of creativity. And by speeding up the process of trial and error, it creates more space for new possibilities and creativity. It's just a tool that supports the process of trial and error, and it's unique in that it doesn't have the functions of AI trend generators or drawing tools. So, for me it's like a training workshop where I can practice reworking my creativity beyond my accustomed parameters.

Yukio's workspace furnished with the latest Mac Studio and monitor.

The actual physical color palette is also increasing in variety at an accelerated rate.

Even in the white pieces, different looks are achieved by variation in texture.

The kind of changes that utilizing TOMONAMI brought about to his pieces.

Looks to be enjoying even the process of trial and error.

The Gallery “MUTAN”

In 2019, Kinzan Kiln opened a gallery called MUTAN a few minutes walk from the atelier. The Kanagaso stone building, characterized by its soft yellow color, is simple yet has a bold presence. The entrance is located on the opposite side of the entryway to the property, and Mifuyu says, “The intention behind it is to give you an opportunity to shift your mindset before entering.” The space, which was designed by Shinichiro Ogata who is known for his simplicity, is bold in that it has no windows and is illuminated only by a skylight. In the tranquil and almost church-like atmosphere, Kinzan Kiln pieces are lined up for display. We interviewed Yukio on how this gallery came about.

The word mutan means a silent beginning, indicating a start from scratch. This gallery was established with the intent of resetting the past Kinzan Kiln and starting a new era. The space is utilized for a variety of events including artists' solo exhibitions, gold leaf workshops, live Jazz performances, tea ceremonies, and dinner parties. Kutani ware is often admired as a display, and seldom used. Even when it is used, it is often used on special occasions such as New Year's Day. However, for us, we have been eating our daily bowls of rice in Kutani ware since childhood. And with continued use, the undercoat begins to slowly surface, giving the piece more depth. Thus, everyday use of Kutani ware is actually not a bad thing. Therefore, we wanted to facilitate a space where we, the creators of Kutani ware can invite guests to a meal, and for them to have the opportunity to dine using our Kitani ware. A place where you can socialize over tea served in our pieces.

Amongst the works displayed by the various artists, what draws your eyes the most are the broken pieces. In contrast to simple truths that we take for granted, such as gravity, or the cruel realities such as natural disasters, these broken pieces remind us of gratitude for a simple and ordinary day lived. It is hard to take your eyes off of these pieces, who’s presence conveys both beauty and fragility. It can be said to symbolize the concept of this gallery, a start from nothing, and representative of the outlook and intentions Kinzan Kiln has for its future.

A unique walkway to the entrance.

Kanagaso stones are used throughout the city, including traditional storehouses.

The gold leaf peeling off of the door adds to its character.

Stone, earth, clay, derived from the same land, revealing various expressions.

All of the materials born from mother nature.

Fragility and intensity within one piece.

A New Tradition Is Born

In Komatsu City, ruins from the Yayoi period known as Komatsu-style earthenware and kilns that fired Sue ware from the Kofun period have been excavated. The city is said to have been a cultural epicenter in the Hokuriku region since ancient times. In addition, the area was known as a “stone village”, where high-quality stones such as Kangaso stone were found, indicating that it was rich in natural resources. During the Yayoi period, powerful leaders fought for jade, leading to the flourishing of craftsmanship in decorative items. We asked Mr. Yukio about the essence of Kutani ware.

Looking back through history, we can see that people have been making tools and seeking beautiful decorative objects since the days when there was no distinction between Kutani-ware and Arita ware. At Kinzan Kiln, not only fine art pieces are crafted, but they have also collaborated with product designer Moritaka Yoshida to create a series of sake vessels called “Shugu”. In that sense, rather than defining "what is Kutani ware," I think the essence of Kutani ware lies in the attitude of always seeking newness and pursuing quality through training of the traditional techniques and physical skills. While it is difficult to draw a distinct line, I would further add that it embodies the notion of more is more. Japanese aesthetics often highlight Zen and concepts of Wabi-Sab which are simple and modest, but there is also a vibrant and glamorous sensibility found in such places as festivals and Kabuki. In my work, I personally strive for vibrancy by incorporating bright colors, gold accents, and variations in texture, adding a touch of elegance. We, as traditional craft artists, tirelessly hone our skills, cultivate our sensibilities through various influences, and continue to try to create works that resonate with the changing times. And it is for certain, that the aspect of tradition of Kutani ware, is at the core of it.”

In a modern world where functionality and efficiency are prioritized, and simple minimalistic aesthetics are on-trend, the vibrant and beautiful Kutani ware seems to almost be encouraging us to aspire to live a vibrant and joyous daily life.

The uplifting presence of Kutani ware in our daily rituals of enjoying sake and tea.

The intensely detailed rich beauty is unmatched.

History and change, tradition and innovation. Between them lies the present state of Kinzan Kiln.

To live a life that allows one to enjoy such vibrancy.