Potter: Takéichi Kawai also known as Takekazu (and by his nickname Buichi)

Approximate size: W2.6″ by H2.0″ or 6.7 by 5.2 cm

This guinomi or saké cup was made by Kawai Takéichi (1908-1989), who’s nickname was ‘Buichi‘. Buichi was a nephew of the legendary Mingei giant Kanjirõ Kawai, who was one of thé initiators of the Mingei movement. Takéichi apprenticed himself to his uncle and their collaborations lasted for more than 40 years. Works from the later period of Kawai Takéichi’s career were wood-fired in a four-chambered noborigama – climbing kiln which he established with his son in 1978 in a rural area of Kaméoka City, Kyoto prefecture.

Buichi or Takéichi Kawai was a leading disciple and nephew of the celebrated Kawai Kanjirõ (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 guinomi stands as a proud example of the mid-20th century Japanese Mingei movement. It boasts a hand-thrown, gently tapered shape that commands attention, featuring alternating panels of iron-brown, copper-red, and green slips, boldly separated by confident brushwork. The earthy exterior makes a striking contrast with the warm ash-glazed interior, while the subtle glaze crackles and raw clay speckles convey a robust wabi-sabi style that masterfully blends practicality with artistic expression.

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