Kitamura Takashi Crane Kutani Gold Leaf Ornamental Plate 12.6 in
This ornamental plate, rendered with fluid and skillful brushwork, features a flock of cranes taking flight under blooming cherry blossoms, all depicted with the distinctive rich colors of Kutani ware. The background is adorned with gold leaf, giving the entire piece an aura of elegance and nobility.
The word 鶴 "crane" was brought to Japan from ancient China, where the crane is considered a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness, believed to live for a thousand years. This concept also spread to Japan, where cranes became particularly popular as decorative motifs among the nobility and samurai during the Heian period (794 CE–1185 CE). By the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), crane paintings and embroideries had become fashionable among the common people as well.
One of the most captivating aspects of Kutani ware is its vibrant colors. The artist, Kitamura Takashi, inspired by ko-Kutani ware, employs his research and color-mixing techniques to create a vivid painting using the Kutani go-sai "five colors." Various forms of pink cherry blossoms and lifelike cranes come together to form an exceptionally beautiful scene.
Through this artwork, the artist conveys a sense of opulence and elegance. The meticulously crafted gold leaf background emits a gentle glow reminiscent of warm spring sunlight, while the adorable pink cherry blossoms combined with the auspicious cranes present a scene of prosperity and grandeur.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: D 32.0 cm (12.6 in) x H 6 cm (2.7 in)
- Material: Stoneware
- Origin: Made in Japan - Kutani ware
- Artist: Kitamura Takashi
Tag @musubikiln for a chance to be featured
On Instagram
The feature of Kutani ware is its rich colors. The artist uses full-bodied hues to depict cherry blossoms in various stages of bloom, from buds to full bloom. The layered application of pigments gives the flowers a three-dimensional quality, imbuing them with life, as if they are truly blooming on the plate.
The gold leaf background reflects a soft, gentle light, which is not dazzling and beautifully highlights the elegance of the cherry blossoms and cranes. The black color on the surface, resembling brush strokes in an ink painting, comes from the iron-rust glaze visible beneath the gold leaf. This interplay of colors and textures imparts a profound sense of artistic beauty to the piece, captivating the viewer with its depth and complexity.
The gold leaf background reflects a soft, gentle light, which is not dazzling and beautifully highlights the elegance of the cherry blossoms and cranes. The black color on the surface, resembling brush strokes in an ink painting, comes from the iron-rust glaze visible beneath the gold leaf. This interplay of colors and textures imparts a profound sense of artistic beauty to the piece, captivating the viewer with its depth and complexity.
Kitamura takashi
Kitamura Takashi, born in 1946 in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a renowned Kutani ware artist, celebrated for his work inspired by Japan's maritime history, especially the kitamaebune ships. Notably, he collaborated with Michael Jackson during his tour in Japan. Kitamura has been honored with numerous awards, both in Japan and internationally, including the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition Prize, and recognition at the Faenza International Ceramics Competition.
His international achievements extend to exhibitions in Singapore and France, and contributions to cultural exchanges, such as the 30th Anniversary of the Sister City Relations between New York and Tokyo. Kitamura's art, primarily focusing on ships from the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), captures themes of bravery, perseverance, and the poignant beauty of departure. His work stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Japanese heritage.
