HANA-ZU

Illustrated is a rather traditional and formal chawan made with mingei ideals in mind created for a single purpose while serving two intermingled aspirations, function and beauty. It is easy to say that because the students are so influenced by their master, Kawai Kanjiro that each of these potters just blends together elements of the teacher but I think it is safer to say that what was learned has been filtered through a lens of a differing experience and as such, each adds unique touches to the Kawai-mon. I think you can clearly see that in this chawan that has a form that relies on the archetype but there are nuances that make for a distinct style that is easy to separate from master and student. This chawan shows the maturity of Kawai Takeichi working within a more formal idiom and using decoration that relies on a blend of traditional Japanese design and elements he learned during his years at the studio and kiln of his master. I think since to most people it is easy to see the differences between Kawai Kanjiro and his nephew that it is also easy to say that though influenced, pieces like this clearly show the styles of a potter who has made his way within a new tradition but not in the shadow of its originator.