Kawase Shinobu (b. 1950)'s superb celadon porcelain creations find their roots in his deep appreciation for traditional Chinese celadon. His celadon works occupy a famous and valuable place in the world of modern and contemporary Japanese ceramics. He has dedicated extensive hours to studying the treasures of Taiwan's National Museum, where he has absorbed centuries of ceramic craftsmanship wisdom. His celadon masterpieces, paying tribute to the classics, consistently attain a level of sophistication that often surpasses them.



Over years of dedicated research, Kawase unlocked a pivotal insight: the inherent allure and elegance of Chinese celadon ceramics lie in their adept use of organic forms.


Nature serves as an abundant wellspring of inspiration for Kawase, frequently guiding him to draw formal inspiration from the realms of flora and fauna, resulting in elegantly understated works of art that resonate with aficionados of Japanese ceramics and celadon.

Shinobu's brother is Kawase Takeshi, and their father, Kawase Chikushun II was a specialist in Sometsuke, or blue and white porcelains that represent the Arita tradition of ceramics.

Selected Public Collections:

Japan Folk Art Museum (Nihon Mingei kan), Tokyo, Tokyo National Modern Art Museum, Tokyo,

Hachinohe City Museum, Hachinohe, Japan

Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England, Museum Fur Kunst und Gerwerbe, Humburg, Germany, Hetjens Museum, Dusseldorf, Germany, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada

Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany