▲This square vase by Kanjirō Kawai (1890–1966), a leading figure in Japan’s Mingei (folk craft) movement, is a subtle expression of his aesthetic philosophy.
▲The piece features freely brushed floral designs in iron and red enamels over a soft white glaze, evoking a sense of warmth and spontaneity.
▲The floral pattern is depicted with great dynamism.
▲The rim is accentuated with deep iron glaze, lending contrast and structure to the overall form. A superb example of Kawai’s ability to blend rustic charm with refined artistry.
▲The lid of the box, Kanjiro himself has inscribed the words “Vessel with designed Flower” and his signature.
Original Box
Showa
D11.4cm H22.5cm
Kanjirou KAWAI was a Kyoto-based potter within the folk tradition of Japanese and Korean ceramics and a key figure in Mingei (Japanese folk art movement). He was a long-time friend of Shōji Hamada, Soetsu Yanagi, and Bernard Leach with whom he co-founded the Japan Folk Art Association in 1926. He refused all official honors, such as the designation of “Living National Treasures,” He often decorated his works with bold, semiabstract blossom motifs, which he painted freely in under-glaze cobalt blue, iron brown, and copper red.
Kanjiro Kawai
1890 - 1966
Kanjirou Kawai was a Kyoto-based potter within the folk tradition of Japanese and Korean ceramics and a key figure in Mingei (Japanese folk art movement). He was a long-time friend of Shōji Hamada, Soetsu Yanagi, and Bernard Leach with whom he co-founded the Japan Folk Art Association in 1926. He refused all official honors, such as the designation of “Living National Treasures,” He often decorated his works with bold, semiabstract blossom motifs, which he painted freely in under-glaze cobalt blue, iron brown, and copper red.
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