With the theme of ``The World of White Porcelain'' this summer, we will be introducing white porcelain works perfect for the hot summer in a series with four artists, featuring transparent white skin and a cool pale blue glaze.
The third author in the series is Takuma Tsuji (author living in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture). For generations, the Tsuji family has produced a series of ceramic panels depicting scenes from Japan and the world. Ceramic plates often break during the production process, and a highly skilled technique is required, but once fired, the porcelain paintings will never fade. In addition to the ceramic plate series, they are also experimenting with new expressions of porcelain, and in recent years they have been actively creating pottery such as ``Guinomi'' and ``Cup'' that have a stained glass motif and shine like jewels. .
We would like to introduce some of the works of Takuma Tsuji, who pursues new expressions of porcelain while inheriting traditional techniques.
First up is the ceramic board series that has been passed down through the Tsuji family for generations. This piece was created using Sohyoh's unique line engraving technique, which involves drawing pictures on porcelain clay using a needle or chisel. This technique is rarely seen in Arita ware, where the painting is done using a brush. By carefully carving the porcelain clay fabric, the painting gains depth and three-dimensionality. Amakusa pottery stone is used for the porcelain clay that will become the campus. It is strong and hard, and the finished color is a beautiful white porcelain without any turbidity.
Takuma is also challenging himself with new expressions of porcelain, and his works with stained glass motifs in particular emit a jewel-like shine.
This piece (pictured) was made using the Kiritsugi technique (cutting and dismantling the vessel once formed, then reassembling it and re-forming it). The seams are painted with silver, similar to stained glass, creating a complex jewel-like luster.
Arita ware Takuma Tsuji “ Belted ” -cup & saucer- [One-of-a-kind item]
This piece was created using Sohyoh's unique line engraving technique, which involves drawing pictures on porcelain clay using a needle or chisel. The fine cloisonné pattern created by the line engraving creates a complex luster, and the contrast with the blank space of the white porcelain gives the vessel a sense of depth. The title of the work, "Belted," is inspired by the obi of Japanese clothing. The gorgeous colors typical of Arita ware are also attractive.
Arita ware Takuma Tsuji Line engraved ink small bowl “Scent of rain” [One-of-a-kind item]
This piece depicts hydrangeas using the ``line engraving technique'' (Sohyoh's unique technique of painting on porcelain clay using a needle or chisel), and expresses the feeling of a rainy atmosphere using the traditional Arita ware technique ``Fukizumi''. Although it is small in size, it is deep and can be used for various purposes.
Arita ware Takuma Tsuji Served silver bean plate “Nanten” [One-of-a-kind item]
This series uses a technique called ``Icchin'' and is decorated with silver. The fine irregularities highlight the luster of the silver color, giving the impression that the vessel is wearing an accessory. The image is stained glass, and the silver color is made of the precious metal palladium, which is highly rare. The design, Nanten, has been considered auspicious since ancient times because of the rhyme of ``overcoming hardship.'' Even today, they are used as lucky charms, warding off evil spirits, and as New Year's decorations, and are sometimes displayed as New Year's flowers along with pine and bamboo at entrances and alcoves.
Takuma's profile and works are explained in detail below, so please take a look.