Yosuke Kojima: Gold & Silver

This year, we are once again delighted to present a solo exhibition by Yosuke Kojima.

In 2018, we held an exhibition devoted to his silver-decorated ware. This year, we take it one step further with “Gold & Silver.”

The technique of completely covering a ceramic surface with silver is said to have originated when the renowned artist and gastronome Rosanjin applied silver to unsuccessful Bizen pieces and refired them, making it a relatively recent development in the history of Japanese ceramics.

Covered entirely in silver, the texture of the surface comes vividly to the fore, giving the work a distinctive character. The result is a fascinating surface that combines the organic quality of ceramics with the inorganic, metallic nature of silver.

At first glance, these pieces may seem rather unconventional as functional vessels. Yet they possess something of the versatility of white porcelain together with the warmth and character of earthenware, making them both intriguing and surprisingly easy to use. Another pleasure is the way the silver gradually oxidizes with age, developing a subdued, antique-like patina. It can also be polished back to a bright shine if desired.

And then there is gold.

The surface is fired with almost pure gold—99.7% gold, in fact—giving it a richness that would probably have brought tears of joy to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Yet what makes these works particularly interesting is that the underlying ceramic surface still plays an essential role.

There is the contrast between the brilliant gleam of gold over glazed areas and the rougher texture where the clay body remains exposed, together with the irresistible beauty of gold itself—something that human beings seem almost instinctively drawn to.

I have spent quite a while talking about all this glitter and shine, but at the heart of these works lies Kojima’s remarkable ability to create dynamic forms while maintaining an exquisite sense of balance.

The exhibition will feature tea wares, flower vessels, sake wares, and tableware perfectly suited to the coming season.

We very much hope you will come and see the exhibition.