Aug 2, 2024

Fukushima Reiko: Conveying the Charm of Akae-Saibyo With Modern Sensibilities

Written by Team MUSUBI

Within the venerable tradition of Kutani ware, the akae-saibyo technique, a traditional method dating back to the Edo period (1603CE–1868CE), captivates people with its vibrant and delicate beauty. This method involves applying red paint and gold to Kutani porcelain to create intricate overglaze paintings. Artists employ the technique to draw hair-thin lines at a consistent speed, depicting patterns, birds, flowers, landscapes, and human figures.

Although Kutani ware is famous for its vivid, multicolored paints known as Kutani gosai (red, green, yellow, purple, and navy blue), the red paint allows for the finest lines without unevenness. The charm of akae-saibyo lies in its ability to express a wide range of subjects using solely the color red.

Fukushima Reiko, a female artisan who inherits this technique, strives daily to reach new heights in her craft alongside her father, the master artisan Fukushima Buzan.

Despite her busy schedule, she warmly welcomed Team Musubi. Although she modestly claims to still be in training, upon viewing her work, we were struck by the gentle lines and the charming motifs that distinctly reflect her unique artistic allure.

Individuality Expressed Through Lines Creating Personal Motifs Spreading the Allure of Akae-Saibyo

Individuality Expressed Through Lines

In the workshop, Reiko and Buzan worked diligently alongside each other, oriented in the same direction. There was little conversation between them as they devoted themselves to their tasks.

Buzan is a pioneer in reviving techniques developed by predecessors, bringing them into the modern era. He has expertly captured a sense of depth in his work, previously considered challenging to achieve with only the color red. His contemporary style has earned him numerous awards over the years.

Their workshop employs a special blend of pigments known as bengara, a valued domestic red pigment. The formulation of the pigment must be adjusted based on temperature and humidity, as it becomes less malleable when dry, making it difficult to maintain its initial consistency. Continuous drawing with the same intensity requires highly skilled technique.

Reiko mentions that an artisan's individuality is conveyed through the lines they draw. While some artisans craft precise, rigid lines, others produce exceedingly fine lines; styles differ markedly from one artist to another. Reiko strives for lines that are both smooth and soft, attributes that her clients often remark upon, appreciating the distinct beauty of her hand-drawn work. Observing her in the studio, it is clear that her lines possess a gentle and warm quality unique to drawing by hand.

Discussing her father's technique, she noted his lines as exceedingly smooth and soft. Buzan shared his perspective on drawing, remarking, "When I move my hand, it invariably progresses forward. I derive pleasure from client interactions, and the act of drawing itself brings me enjoyment."

Creating Personal Motifs

Even within the same technique of akae-saibyo, the worldview expressed by each artisan can differ significantly. The motifs depicted on the vessels are particularly crucial, as they significantly shape the impression of the artwork.

Buzan encouraged her to explore painting karako, a traditional motif of Chinese children, which led her to draw numerous representations of these figures. Her renderings of karako, noted for their charm, have garnered substantial acclaim from customers.

Currently, she is drawing whatever she considers cute, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources. For instance, when she finds charming motifs in picture books or illustration collections, she incorporates them into her own works.

Her creativity may also be influenced by her prior experience with egg art in the United States, before she became a porcelain painter. The color selection and detailed painting involved in creating egg art bear similarities to the akae-saibyo technique.

To prevent her designs from becoming repetitive, she has begun to embrace the challenge of drawing based on customer requests. She expressed, "Drawing cute motifs from customer orders makes me feel more like myself."

Spreading the Allure of Akae-Saibyo

When asked about her future aspirations, she expressed a desire to learn sculpting at the Kutani Ware Technical Training Institute and create her own clay bases.

"While I recognize the challenges of managing every aspect from molding the base to painting independently, I observe many artisans working on identical bases. Thus, I am motivated to start from the very beginning to create something genuinely original," she stated.

Additionally, she intends to manufacture functional tableware distinct from her art pieces, aiming to make her creations accessible to a wider customer base.

In addition to her painting work, she actively conducts workshops. It appears that these workshops have prompted individuals to attend her exhibitions and acquire her products. Furthermore, she is involved in crafting accessories and nail designs utilizing the akae-saibyo technique, which forms an integral part of her initiative to enhance recognition of this style and Kutani ware.

"I am keen to familiarize broader people with Kutani ware through akae-saibyo. By engaging in local events and interacting with diverse groups, I strive to communicate the allure of akae-saibyo and Kutani ware," she elaborated.

Finally, when inquired about Buzan's aspirations for her, he stated, “I desire for my daughter to refine her skills, progressively set higher goals, and contribute to the advancement of akae-saibyo.”

Akae-saibyo, a captivating artistry distinguished by its delicate charm, stands as one of Kutani ware's three primary techniques. Its allure has drawn countless admirers. As Reiko forges her path, both personally and professionally, she not only preserves this cherished heritage but also breathes new life into it, expanding its influence far and wide.