Potter: Kawase Mitsuyuki

Approximate size: W3.9″ by H9.5″ or 10.0 by 24.3 cm

This exquisite seiji, ice crackle celadon vase was made by the famous celadon master Kawase Mitsuyuki (1933-). Born in Kyoto as the second son of shodai Takeharu Kawase, originator – first generation. He studied with his father and his brother who became the nidai or 2nd generation. He built a kiln in Gojozaka, Kyoto in 1951 and became independent. From this point on he exhibited frequently through mainly solo presentations though also participated in for instance the “Kawase Chikuharu Exhibition” and continues to be active in galleries and department stores around the world. Among other reasons, honouring his frequent participation at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition he was recommended as a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1968.

Kawase Mitsuyuki developed his own recipe blue and yellow glaze and further made works with traditional techniques with red painting and gold brocade. Work methods he inherited from the first generation Takeharu Kawase.

Seiji or celadon is a glaze that usually turns to a jade green colour. The firing of the iron in the glaze produces its beautiful colour, which is brought out by reduction firings in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1200°C. The origin of celadon stoneware lies in China where during the Tang Dynasty (±618 till ±907), production started and found a willing and wealthy client base amongst the elite and intellectuals. A little later during the Sung Dynasty (±960 till ±1279), the supply lines for the resources used in celadon wares became stable which caused export of celadon ceramics all through out eastern Asia and eventually to Japan around the 11th century.

When viewing celadon pottery it is key to look at the area’s where the glaze runs thinnest as this is where you will see the most defects, in this case the rim. Due to the difficulties celadon production it has since its earliest appearance a highly valued type of ceramic. The ware was immensely popular because of its beauty; the Chinese also valued it because it resembled jade.

The vase is stamped by the potter on the foot and has no chips or cracks. Condition is excellent. Comes with the original corded paulownia tomobako or storage box with the potter’s seal and calligraphy on the lid.