Descended from a long line of ceramicists, Kawase Shinobu’s works adhere to traditionalChinese Song dynasty celadon glazes. Kawase seeks inspiration in nature, often taking formalclues from flora and fauna and translating them into elegantly minimal works of art. Theelegant celadon porcelain works by Kawase Shinobu originated in the artist’s great love anddeep appreciation for traditional Chinese celadon. He has spent numerous hours in thegalleries of Taiwan’s National Museum, trying to soak in the lessons of centuries of ceramic
tradition.
Over his years of research, Kawase realized that much of the beauty and grace of Chineseceladon ceramics comes from their use of organic forms. These natural forms found their wayinto Kawase’s work. Great technical skill is required to successfully fire such a large piece, andShinobu has done so expertly. Faint lines emerge from the blue-green celadon glazed body ofthis sake jar. Meanwhile, the top of this jar recalls the shape of a lotus leaf resting on a stone.The piece is extremely meditative and evokes images of flora in harmony with water, a
refreshing container used for carrying sake.