We are pleased to present “Enjoying Masayasu Chujo at Nogizaka Shin.”
For this occasion, we welcome Masayasu Chujo, who works in Hokuto, Yamanashi. Chujo primarily creates utsushi works inspired by Kenzan.
When we think of Kenzan ware, our attention tends to be drawn to its designs, craftsmanship, and painted decoration, but the wonderful surface qualities of Chujo’s work are equally important.
He carefully selects his raw materials, but one particularly interesting aspect of his process is his use of an electric kiln into which firewood can also be added. He says that firing solely with electric heat can leave the work feeling slightly cold, whereas adding wood gives it a warmer and more appealing character. His work reminds us once again that a truly good vessel is created through the harmony of design, craftsmanship, and texture. Chujo also creates works of his own original design using techniques derived from Kenzan.
More than 300 years later, the popularity of Kenzan remains undiminished, particularly among chefs. Many of these works, however, are highly decorative and inevitably demand careful thought about what food should be served on them. We hope you will also look forward to seeing how Ishida, the proprietor of Nogizaka Shin, responds to this challenge.
