Transforming Tradition
- Platinum Karaigi Shino bowl
- Takura Kuwata (b. 1981)
- Porcelain with platinum slip and paint
- Chûbu, Gifu-ken Prefecture, Japan, 2011
- Museum purchase, UMMA 2012/2.7
Contemporary Japanese potter Takuro Kuwata puts a new spin on traditional forms. Inspired by centuries-old tea ceremony ceramics, Kuwata favors thick, brightly colored or metallic glazes and often adds stones to his clay mix. During firing, the surfaces of the vessels explode in the kiln, creating unique textures. Kuwata works to allow each piece a distinctive imperfection while maintaining its functionality and connection to tradition.