Camellia Tea Ceremony⚱️THE CAT AND THE KILN🎨
The old Gojōzaka home of famed ceramic artist Kawai Kanjirō (河井寬次郎 1890-1966) was restored in 1973 as a museum (河井寛次郎記念館).
Kanjirō designed this property (part living space, part studio, part climbing kiln) in 1937.
The space is seemingly frozen in time, with fixtures, fittings and furnishings left as they were when the potter lived here.
The museum rotates the pieces on display to reflect the changes of season, but almost all of Kanjirō's works here are on permanent display.
#Japan #京都
Although long out of use, at one time the kiln would have been used by the tight-knit community of local potters.
Such climbing kilns have been used in Japan since the 17th century. The largest noborigama still in use can be found in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.
#Shigaraki #滋賀
Kawai Kanjirō was a key figure in the mingei (民芸 - Japanese folk art) and studio pottery movement.
Work by fellow artists Kuroda Tatsuaki (黒田辰秋 1904-82), Yanagi Sōetsu (柳宗悦 1889-1961) and others can also be found within the museum.
Growing up watching a local farmer make pottery as a hobby, by the time he was a teenager Kanjirō knew he was destined to work with ceramics.
Throughout his life Kanjirō refused all official honors, including one of Japan's most prestigious...that of "Living National Treasure".
Kanjirō never signed his work but said..."my work itself is my best signature".
One of my favourite Kanjirō quotes:
"When you become so absorbed in your work that beauty flows naturally then your work truly becomes a work of art".
I'll leave you with a video of Eki-chan, and some facts about the climbing kiln...
Firing at the kiln took place over a 48 hour period. During that time 2000 bundles of firewood would be consumed, with the kiln interior reaching as high as 1350 degrees celcius🥵
#Kyoto