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Kimura Ichiro (1915-1978), Mashiko Master Potter

Mashiko, approximately 60 miles north of Tokyo is linked to the world famous potter, Shoji Hamada (1894-1978).  Hamada was the Japanese designated Living Treasure, who promulgated the virtues of pottery folkcraft (mingei).  Mashiko is famous for pottery wares that serve as the prime examples of mingei.

Kimura, a Mashiko native started his studies in Kyoto, but transferred to study under Hamada from (1935-1947), where he was powerfully influenced by his instructor.  After his apprenticeship he set up his own studio and kiln in Mashiko.  Much like the other fellow apprentices that studied under Hamada, he went on to become a major Mashiko fixture, though his premature death short-circuited his fame in the pottery world. 

Kimura was not widely known outside of Japan, yet within Japanese circles he was a master potter from the Mashiko region.  He had two important exhibits in Japan including one at the Tokyo National Museum (1964) and a full retrospective at the Mashiko Ceramic Art Museum (1998). 

This press molded vase, shows how Kimura's work took on Hamada repertoire and style, yet Kimura alters Hamada's shapes, design and presence.  In this case Hamada's popular square bottle vase, becomes a sculptural organic form using Hamada's tones and colors.  Kimura uses kaki glaze to highlight the six quirky shapes on the front facade of the vase.  Three of the shapes use Mashiko brown (kaki glaze) and three spaces use tetsue decoration to illustrate brown branches and pine boughs.  Testsue decoration are designs drawn in rich pigment iron oxide (rusted iron), that are coated with glaze that turns transparent during firing.  This method is used to create decorative ceramics.
  
This abstract molded bottle vase says volumes about Mashiko-Yaki (pottery) in the post-war period.  Many consider Kimura a founding member of Mashiko ware.

A Press Moulded Vase
Kaki Glaze and Tetsue Design
Signed with Kimura Ichiro Symbol 

Kimura's Signature
Tree Kanji Symbol - Ki
in a Hexagon Shape


References:
  • Japan Craft Association Sourcebook: A Guide to Today's Handmade Objects, Mashiko-Yaki, pg. 28, Published by Kodansha International, Ltd., 1996, Tokyo   
  • Pucker Gallery, Boston, MA, Hamada There Generations, 2009 Hamada Catalog  
  • Phil Rogers, Past Chair and Council Member of the Craft Potters Association, London
    • Rogers' essay on Kimura Ichiro 

Molded Vase by Kimura Ichiro
Photo and Research by Phil Rogers
Used under Fair Use, Copyright Law
Illustrated here for Contrast and Educational Purposes
























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