Flower Vase, Silver

Masaaki Iwasa is a ceramic artist who studied two distinct types of pottery, Bizen and Shigaraki, and later established his kiln in Izumo. After becoming independent, he went through a period of inner conflict while searching for his own style. The result of this journey is totai-shikki, unique style of ceramic lacquerware works. His curiosity to incorporate different materials that intrigue him, without being confined to the traditional boundaries of pottery, led to the opening of this unique world.

The smooth, upright posture of the piece draws you in, and as you look closely, the sharply formed triangular rim, made with a very thin edge, comes into focus. The metallic-appearing surface texture is created by applying lacquer to ceramics, then affixing silver foil and firing it again. The delicate yet powerful presence of the piece is evident, with areas of silver foil appearing to peel off, conveying a sense of the strong energy from the firing process.

The muted glow of the silver and the calm, serene atmosphere it brings into being around the piece reflect the humble, subtle nature of the San’in region where western Honshu borders the Sea of ​​Japan, where the artist resides. This is a work that invites you to cherish the unique patina silver develops over time and makes you want to keep it close by.