Kawai Kanjirō's 1963 Ceramic Plate

There is a rhythm to this plate, a sense of movement frozen in clay. Swirling iron-glaze strokes sweep across the surface, flowing like ink in water, capturing the spontaneous energy of the potter’s hand. This 1963 piece by Kawai Kanjirō is more than just a ceramic plate—it is a testament to his philosophy that art and life are inseparable, that beauty arises not from rigid perfection but from an intuitive harmony between maker and material.

Kawai, one of the leading figures of the Mingei (folk craft) movement, believed that everyday objects should possess both function and soul. His work celebrates imperfection, embracing the raw textures of clay and the unpredictable dance of glazes in the kiln. Here, the dark, glossy iron glaze pools in undulating waves, contrasting with the warm, earthy tones of the high-fired body. It is as if the brush never left the surface, its energy still lingering, creating depth and movement within the circular form.

There is something deeply human about Kawai’s work—something raw, spontaneous, and unrestrained, yet grounded in centuries of ceramic tradition. Each swirl, each glaze drip, each organic imperfection speaks to the balance between control and surrender, between craftsmanship and intuition.

In a world where mass production often dulls the spirit of handmade objects, Kawai’s work reminds us of the quiet beauty in things that bear the trace of human touch. What do you see in these swirling lines—a storm, a river, or simply the presence of the artist himself?

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