Potter: Kawai Takéichi, Buichi

Approximate size: W5.8″ by W5.6 by H3.3″ or 14.3 by 14.8 by 8.3cm

Kawai Takéichi, nicknamed Buichi was a nephew of the legendary mingei giant Kawai Kanjirõ and initiator of the Mingei movement. He apprenticed himself to his uncle and collaborations between the two lasted for over 40 years. As is tradition in mingei-yaki the objects largely remain unsigned and Takéichi followed in the ways of his uncle. As Kawai Kanjirō had only a daughter in his family, the younger Kawai became looked upon as a son. Collaboration between the two artists lasted over 40 years until the elder Kawai’s death in 1966.

Buichi was a leading disciple and nephew of the celebrated  Kawai Kanjiro (1890–1966), Japan’s most famous potter of the 20th century. He began his training as a potter under his uncle in 1928 in Kyoto. During the 2nd WW he was drafted and served with the army in North China for one year in 1942. In 1949 he joined the National Painter’s Association. In 1953 he started his own ceramics studio and has since then participated in many exhibitions both in Japan and abroad. His works are stylistically close to those of his famous uncle and like him he does not sign his pieces. Buichi is also well-known as a painter.

This chawan or tea bowl is typical of Takéichi and the Kawai family in general workmanship. From the iron under-glaze to the cobalt blue’s called gosu. An excellent example of the Kawai family tradition. when you hold a Mingei piece it is clear why this movement became so renowned.

1908 Born in Yasugi, Shimané Prefecture
1926 Begins apprenticing under Kawai Kanjirō (uncle) in Kyoto
1935 Serves as assistant to Bernard Leach at Kawai Kiln, Gojōzaka, Kyoto
1942 Studies ceramic making in China for one year
1949 Joins the National Creative Painting Association
1953 Becomes an independent artist
1964 Kanjirō-Hirotsugu-Takéichi Trio Exhibition, Kyoto. Visits Australia and New Zealand. Holds private exhibition and pottery classes in Wellington.
1978 Holds 50th year memorial exhibitions at Takashimaya Galleries in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto
1989 Dies at the age of 82