White Dew Incense Burner

A speckled glaze with undertones that recall the colors of fall, paired with waka poems centered around the theme of autumn. This incense burner was created by Tamura Seito, the fourth-generation artist of Kutani mohitsu saiji, or Kutani brush-writing micro calligraphy. Here, Tamura creates a rhythm between transparent, larger characters interspersed with pitch-black, ultra-fine characters, giving the entire surface a sense of flow and movement. With poetry across all four sides, it is left up to the viewer to complete the piece with an arrangement that suits their own interpretation, mood, and space.

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 waka poems that complement the glaze. Then, using only the naked eye, Tamura painstakingly paints each character by hand, sometimes using a brush as thin as a single hair.

This incense burner’s poems are from the Kokin Wakashu, a 1,100-year-old waka anthology. To match the glaze’s yellow undertones, the poems were chosen for their autumnal nature imagery—gleaming white dew, scarlet leaves, mists rising over mountain slopes. At only thirty-one syllables, each poem leaves room for the imagination. This openness is echoed by the blank space on the vessel itself, creating ample room for personal reflection.

Tamura specializes in what she calls yasashii characters, using a word that can equally mean “gentle,” “soft,” or “kind.” In form, her lettering is supple and flexible. In intent, her calligraphy is responsive to the viewer. This piece is only truly complete once it reaches the viewer’s hands, and is arranged in their life. From poets over a millennium ago to today, this incense burner stands as a physical embodiment of human connection across the ages.

Tamura Seito

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.

Kutani Ware

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.