Collection: Artist Category > The "KA" column (Rosanjin Kitaoji, etc.) > Kanjiro Kawai

Born in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture in 1890 (Meiji 23).

In 1920 (Taisho 9), he opened Shokei Kiln in Gojozaka, Kyoto and became independent.

The following year, he held the "First Creative Ceramics Exhibition" and presented many works throughout his life. In the same year, he got married and started a family, while continuing to create art.

His style can be broadly divided into three periods.

【initial】
His early works from the Taisho period are heavily influenced by ancient Chinese ceramics and are characterized by intricate and gorgeous expression.
The high level of perfection of this work was highly praised at the time, and it became the catalyst for Kawai Kanjiro's name to become widely known.

[Middle term]
From the end of the Taisho era to the beginning of the Showa era, Kawai Kanjiro was a leading figure in the Mingei movement.
Moving away from the glamorous style of ancient Chinese ceramics, he began to work on pieces with practical beauty rooted in everyday life, and his style evolved to be more in tune with people's lives.

[Late period]
Kawai was forced to stop making pottery due to the war, but when he started making pottery again after the war, he greatly expanded the scope of his expression.
He not only created tools for daily life, but also attempted to create powerful forms full of life, leaving behind many works that breathe his unique sensibility.

In 1937 (Showa 12), he built a residence of his own design, which is now open to the public as a memorial museum.

He passed away in 1966 (Showa 41) at the age of 76.