Yukio

Kutani-ware, considered the pinnacle of inlaid ceramics, is a gorgeous type of porcelain characterized by vivid colors, bold designs, and intricate painting.  About 360 years ago, Ko-kutani (old Kutani) was born in present Kutani, Yamanaka-town in Ishikawa prefecture, as an official kiln of the Kaga domain. Although the kilns were temporarily closed, production enjoyed a renaissance from the late Edo period (1600-1868)to the early Meiji period (1868-1912). Since that time, the Kutani pottery industry absorbed many craftsmen and techniques from Japan and abroad, creating a unique overglaze enameling style that is rich in diversity, and has continued to evolve with the times. It’s technique and beautiful forms have been highly appreciated all over the world. 

Kinzangama kiln, located in Komatsu, specializes in this Kutani–yaki overglaze enameling, since Shosaku Yoshida founded the kiln in 1906,. The third generation Minori inherited the tradition from the founder, and acquired a new technique of yuri-kinsai (underglaze gilding), which he upon with his original ideas. He was later designated as a Living National Treasure.  

Fourth generation Yukio, while inheriting the traditional techniques, has invented an ingenious way to apply gold decoration called kinrande, where carefully-painted pale colors are hand-brushed in geometric patterns upon the vessel. 

Yukio’s wife Rumiko pursues her own unique and flamboyant images with organic forms and intuitive coloring methods.  Each artist creates their own works, in slightly different styles.  Thus the history of Kinzangama kiln is the process of sublimating tradition into unique expressions from generation to generation.  

The Yoshida family’s gallery is called ‘MUTAN’ which means silent beginning, or creation beyond self. This refers to the silent conversations with the craftsmen of days past, and the desire to express them as works of art in the present age.   To honor the nature and culture of the area, the building is constructed of kanagaso stone, unique to the area.  Now found in dwindling supplies, MUTAN is the last structure to have been built of this stone.  Within its walls, the artists hope to convey the unknown values of Kutani ware to directly to its user.