Hagi potter Miwa Kyusetsu XII in NYC tonight!

[Abracadaver!]

I just saw this:

"Continuity & Change in Japanese Ceramics: An Evening with Miwa Kyusetsu XII
Wednesday, March 17, 6:30 PM
Japan Society, NYC

Hagi is among the most celebrated of Japan's traditional wares and played an important part in the evolution of the tea ceremony. The works of the Miwa Kyusetsu dynasty have exemplified the Hagi tradition since 1663, but those of Kyusetsu XII place a modern, even iconoclastic interpretation on the family's art. Kyusetsu XII discusses his work and role as the 12th head of the Kyusetsu dynasty."

His work isn't my favorite (this is the guy who is breaking tradition by making ceramic breasts and high heels, etc: http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/miwa-kyu ... -2003.html), but his predecessors' work was amazing and besides, how often does a renowned Hagi potter show up in your town? I'd totally go if I weren't already attending this: http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=12423

For more info:
http://www.japansociety.org/event_detail?eid=3b9056c0

[Victoria]

Could someone pick me up that white dragon chawan?

[JBaymore]

Crap! Too far away for me to get to. Soga nai.

best,

................john

[Robert Fornell]

Could someone pick me up that white dragon chawan?

Yes, but it will run you around $15,000.

I met Miwa Kyusetsu in Hagi at Saitoan in their tiny back room four or five years ago. He is a very kind and approachable man with whom I talked with for an hour or so and he took great interest in the life of a potter in America. After I told him that Seattle was not known for its' functional ceramics, but a "glass" town and was about to leave he broke into a big smile and called out あなた....がんばってね！"you hang in there!"

Saitoan can be found here: http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/saitoan/index.html

Best,
R

[Chip]

Thanks for the info Abracadaver. Yeah, he is not going to be my fave either which is a good thing I think. I would go through life wishing I could afford just one.

[Abracadaver!]

I couldn't believe that it tok you this long to post on a Hagi potter being on the eastern seaboard, Chip. Now I understand why!

...but have you seen the work of Miwa Kyusetsu XI?
http://www.nihon-kogeikai.com/KOKUHO-E/ ... HIN-E.html

[Chip]

Much more my style! Quite beautiful! And yeah, a bit more traditional. Still looking mighty $$$

[AdamMY]

Miwa Kyusetsu XII does quite a bit of un hagi looking pieces... such as the gold ones on e-yakimono.

Miwa Kyusetsu XI is much more regular Hagi style, but I think having the name "Miwa Kyusetsu" as a hagi artist already commands that your pieces take $$$$$ to own.

[Abracadaver!]

It has to be a bit tricky...being an "heir" to a title like that seems like it must demand a certain expectation of style or stylistic limitation, so it's interesting that the current Miwa Kyusetsu is going so far outside the bounds of traditional Hagi. I wonder...is it a reaction to the weight of tradition, or just Kyusetsu "going his own way?"

There is this line from the linked article:
"May the voices of his ancestors haunt him in his dreams and inspire him to return to the "path" that is meant for the artist who bears the name Kyusetsu."
Dang!

I wonder if anyone here has any insight as to how his work is received in Japan?

[Robert Fornell]

It has to be a bit tricky...being an "heir" to a title like that seems like it must demand a certain expectation of style or stylistic limitation, so it's interesting that the current Miwa Kyusetsu is going so far outside the bounds of traditional Hagi. I wonder...is it a reaction to the weight of tradition, or just Kyusetsu "going his own way?"

There is this line from the linked article:
"May the voices of his ancestors haunt him in his dreams and inspire him to return to the "path" that is meant for the artist who bears the name Kyusetsu."
Dang!

I wonder if anyone here has any insight as to how his work is received in Japan?

Thanks Abracadaver.....a couple of interesting points put forth. Being the heir to a title in Japan carries a tremendous weight to it as well as expectations, and as such, each individual reacts differently. Those who follow the established lineage risk measuring up to their predecessors, ie. Karatsu potter Nakazato Hoan and his father Nakazato Taroemon, a tough act to follow, while those who break free from said lineage like Kyusetsu XII risk heavy criticism. However his orbit make bring him back closer to the tradition someday, similar to the current Raku Kichizaemon XV, who's earlier work was frowned upon by the iemoto's of tea, while more current work is looked upon in favor.

Having talked with Robert Yellin who wrote the article quoted just prior to meeting Kyusetsu XII I asked him about what Yellin wrote and he replied something to the effect that writers write and artists make art. Robert was just hammering on the nail a bit. He's "going his own way".

How is his work received? I would guess that art collectors rather than tea practitioners are his customers and I'm sure that some are buying the name rather than the work. His father on the other hand with his Oni Hagi, set the bar for such work so high that to try to follow it would carry no meaning as witnessed by some Hagi potters who continue to try, unsucessfully, to follow him. Jyusetsu sold to both the art as well as the tea crowd even though his chawan were massive, some being 17 - 19 cm wide making them almost a sculptural reference to a chawan.

Enjoy the talk!
R

[Abracadaver!]

I had a feeling that you might have something to add to this, Ronin. Thanks!

Did anyone happen to make it to this? I was at the "Meaning of Tea" event (as were a few other Teachatters...) and wasn't able to go, but I'm very curious...