Imagine

2023, Stoneware wall plaque by Kawai Kanjirō, ca. 1940-1960
Kawai Kanjirō (1890 – 1966) was a poet, philosopher, and potter who helped found Mingei, the Japanese folk art movement, celebrating the virtues of simple, functional, and handmade objects. He was offered the status of Living National Treasure but turned down all official honors. Fukumaru visited his home studio in Kyoto and wished to honor the artisan’s legacy through restoring his work with kintsugi. This piece captures Kanjirō’s doro hakeme technique which uses liquid clay to simulate the effect of calligraphic brushstrokes in relief.
Stoneware repaired with resin, urushi, and 24K gold