Plato ornamental de hoja de oro de grulla

Kitamura Takashi's art captures Japan's seafaring spirit, celebrating the bravery of the kitamaebune merchant ships. By portraying their departure rather than their return, he evokes deep emotions and symbolizes the courage required for uncertain journeys. His work reflects the solemnity and romanticism of these maritime voyages, creating a noble narrative of people setting out to explore the future.

His signature works, depicting the treacherous journey of merchant ships in the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), are a sought-after representation of the traditional Kutani ware style. However, Kutani ware master Kitamura Takashi’s artist journey is anything but traditional. He does not hail from a long line of artists—instead, his introduction to Kutani ware came at the age of fifteen, working with his truck driver father and assisting with the transportation of the polychromatic ceramics.

During his tasks, he caught glimpses of the vibrant Kutani go-sai, five color, designs, often adorned with gold leaf accents. The sight of these pieces inspired a sense of longing in the future artist, causing him to wonder where the exquisite items were made. The unending curiosity filled his heart, and so his dream of becoming a Kutani ware artist was born.

Since its inception, MUSUBI KILN has strived to introduce the world to the finest traditional crafts from masters all around Japan.

Here, in the Gallery, we seek to showcase the highest echelon of traditional techniques, passed down through generations. You can discover works from masters who have not only perfected those methods, but added their imagination to innovate the craft even further.

Some of these masters have even been named Living National Treasures, a title bestowed upon them by the Japanese government to formally recognize their contribution to crafts and culture — thereby cementing their legacy and making them an important part of art history.

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over many months to create a timeless treasure that's unlike any other. And when it's in your home, you, too, will become part of that history.