Plum Blossom Snow
This work by artist Tamura Seito brings to life, atop porcelain, the playful imagery of a 1,300-year-old waka poem. The fourth-generation artist of Kutani mohitsu saiji, or Kutani brush-writing micro calligraphy, her lettering here takes on larger form and is paired with a plum-blossom design in echo of the vessel's poem:
In my garden fall the plum-blossoms—
Are they indeed snow-flakes
Whirling from the sky?
(The Manyoshu, trans. Nippon Gakujutsu Shinkokai)
The glaze and undertones of Tamura’s pieces change with each firing. Before even picking up a brush, she begins her lettering by observing the glaze’s color and pattern, then selecting poems that complement the glaze. This work’s soft white speckles could just as easily represent falling snow as they could fluttering blossoms. Ample space is left both within the content of the poem and atop the physical surface of the vessel for the viewer to arrive at their own interpretation.
Tamura describes the character of her calligraphy as yasashii, a word that can equally mean “gentle,” “soft,” or “kind.” In form, her lettering is supple and flexible. In intent, it is responsive to the viewer. This piece is only truly complete once it reaches the viewer’s hands and is arranged to suit their daily mood, space, and life. The result is a piece that reaches out across the ages, connecting hearts over a millennium apart.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 pc |
| Size | D 11.5 cm (4.5 in) x H 8.3 cm (3.3 in) Package: W 15.5 cm (6.1 in) x D 15.5 cm (6.1 in) x H 12.5 cm (4.9 in) |
| Weight | 236 g (8.3 oz) |
| Material | Stoneware |
| Package Type | Wooden box |
Maker / Brand
Tamura Seito is the fourth-generation artist of Kutani mohitsu saiji, or brush-writing micro calligraphy on Kutani ware. Her supple lettering flows rhythmically, bringing poetry to life in miniature across porcelain. While drawing on the power of verses centuries old, she brings her own responsive style to the calligraphy, creating a world where ancient words overlap with contemporary experiences and songs take physical form.
Crafts
Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.
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About Artist
Musubi Gallery
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 Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, 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.
Welcome to the Gallery. Please, peruse at your leisure.
