Jar / Kawai Kanjiro
Kawai Kanjiro Masterpiece Henko/Jar
One of Kawai Kanjiro's(1890-1966) most dynamic styles he invented is called gosu-doro-hakeme or 'cobalt blue 'mud' white slip brush.' It's a style that appeared during the latter years of his life in the 1950s and is one hardly ever seen on the market. This extraordinary wide-shouldered henko/jar has two distinct faces, the main side is bursting with energy---like a Chagall 'dream' painting, while the back is of a softer tone. Dynamic finger wipes can be seen where Kawai swept his hand over the thickly applied 'mud' slip adding immense character/texture. Kawai Kanjiro's work stands out amongst the long history of Japanese ceramics as made by a true genius. His mastery of glazes, brave new designs/forms, and mystic-like brushwork put him up there with Chojiro, Kenzan, and Itaya in ceramic legends. Although he is often termed a 'mingei potter' he was in no way that. In the end the term doesn't matter anyhow. Kawai was an artist that comes only 'once every five-hundred years,' like Hakuin; the spirit in each's work is a akin. This piece is in excellent condition with one small 2cm. tone blending restoration on the shoulder, signed box by Kawai Koha. Koha is Kawai's daughter and the current director of the Kawai Kanjiro Museum in Kyoto. This museum piece stands at 28cm.tall and across, 16cm.deep, and gosu-doro-hakeme works of different forms are in the Tokyo and Kyoto National Museums,.
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