24634 Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo (Yamanoe Shino Tea (Certificate of Authenticity from Tokyo University of the Arts)) ARAKAWA Toyozo

Height 9.2cm Diameter 13.5cm

Arakawa Toyozo, a Living National Treasure representing Mino who continues to enjoy high acclaim and popularity even today, has made a great contribution to the history of modern Japanese pottery and has been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property in both the fields of "Shino" and "Setoguro". He established a solid reputation by cultivating connections with leading figures in the pottery world of the Showa era, such as Kawakita Handeishi, Kaneshige Toyo, and Miwa Kyuwa, through the "Karahine Society". This work is a work that Arakawa Toyozo, who showed a deep knowledge of areas other than Mino pottery and had a close friendship with Nishioka Koju, a leading figure in Karatsu, continued to produce throughout his life.

The well-balanced form and free-flowing depiction of his signature mountain motif give the work a warm, tasteful feel that is so characteristic of Toyozo.

The minimalist painting emphasizes the "beauty of the white space," and the dignity that allows you to look at the pieces forever without getting bored can be said to be the essence of Arakawa Toyozo's beauty.