Exhibition Information
ENJP

InsightKogei Articles

We share a variety of information and perspectives on Japanese crafts, including exhibition information and interviews.

Latest Articles

To Articles

Exhibition Information

To Exhibitions

Articles by Series

To Series

Search on MapKOGEI MAP

Hosai Matsubayashi

松林 豊斎
Ceramic Artist • 1980 –

Ceramic artist Hosai Matsubayashi was born in Uji, Kyoto to a family with over 400 years of history in Asahi-yaki Kiln. After learning the rokuro (potter’s wheel) in Kyoto, he apprenticed under his father and engaged in ceramic production at the Leach Kiln in St. Ives, England, before assuming the name Hosai XVI. Using the clay passed down through generations, he mainly produces tea ceremony ceramics, including the traditional works of Kase (literally, “fawn back”) and Beni-Kase (“red fawn back”), as well as his own style of Geppaku (“moon white”) overglaze, and is expanding his activity overseas as well.

BASED IN
Uji, Kyoto
WEB SITE

POINT OF VIEW

The works gracefully embody the aesthetic philosophy of Kobori Enshu, “kirei-sabi” (“beauty and simplicity”), where contrasting elements such as tradition and modernity, simplicity and sophistication, strength and gentleness harmoniously coexist. Delving into the allure of Uji’s clay, the artist inherits the enduring spirit passed down through generations in the kiln. This commitment is embedded in each piece, expressing both the elegance and tranquility of sabi.

CRAFT ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

1980

Born in Uji, Kyoto, the eldest son of Hosai XV

2004

Studied the potter’s wheel at Kyoto Ceramic Technical School

2005

Started working at Asahi-yaki Kiln

2015

Lived and worked at Leach Kiln in St. Ives, England

2016

Succeeded to the name of Hosai XVI and received the “Asahi” seal from Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado

2017

Held solo exhibitions throughout Japan, beginning with Kyoto Takashimaya

2018

Works purchased by the National Museum of Wales

2019

Exhibited works in “Inheritance – The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan” exhibition in Hong Kong

2020

Solo exhibition at Nonaka-Hill gallery, Los Angeles

2023

Participated in Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art’s “Visionaries: Making Another Perspective” exhibition, Kyoto

SHARE WITH