Almost every year, the character of each of Yanashita’s styles seems to change—and this year is no exception.
The direction may differ from one year to the next, but his Imayaki-guro has developed an even more weathered character while somehow retaining an almost oily richness. To my eyes, it now possesses even more strongly the qualities that I find appealing in ceramics, regardless of style or tradition.
His Ido, meanwhile, seems to have gained a greater sense of unity among its various elements—the crazing, pinholes, and texture of the glaze all coming together more naturally as a whole. And while the quality of his craftsmanship remains as strong as ever, a playful element has been skillfully introduced into the forms themselves.
The red tea bowl featured in this catalogue is particularly charming. Its form brings to mind a persimmon that looks just a little firmer and more substantial than Kōetsu’s famous Jukushi (“Ripe Persimmon”). There is something so endearing about its round, plump form that it makes you want to roll it around in your hands.
This year, Yanashita also plans to present a substantial selection of Shino.
His Shino has relatively little translucency, with a crisp, dense surface texture. Rich hiiro fire color is complemented by slightly purplish iron painting, adding a certain sensuality to the work. The result has a presence quite unlike anything else in Yanashita’s body of work.
The exhibition will also feature a wide range of Iga, Shigaraki, Oribe, and other works.
We very much hope you will come and see the exhibition!
