"Kiyomizu ware exhibition - Exhibition of overglaze enameling and handwork Kiyomizu ware" - Part 3:Studio visit/Tamie Ono (Art Name cu-nyo)

Revival of the Exquisite Craft of "Kyo Satsuma"

Originating in the castle town of Fushimi Momoyama, Tanbabashi is where Ms. Ono's studio is located, a short walk from the station.

In the Meiji era, when the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, Kyoto's population decreased. As a result, craftsmen living in Kyoto began creating works for overseas markets. "Kyo Satsuma" is what emerged from incorporating and developing the Kagoshima Satsuma Kinrande style, which was highly regarded abroad for its brilliance and splendor.

The Kyo Satsuma of that time, exhibited at the 1867 Paris Exposition, apparently took the world by storm with its delicate depictions. However, due to the intricate painting of Kyo Satsuma, which required a lot of time for production, it could not keep up with demand, and the industry shifted from crafts to manufacturing. Consequently, its characteristics and hand-painted techniques declined, and the tradition was lost. Today, the works of that era remain as pieces of extraordinary craftsmanship and are called "Maboroshi no Ki." Ms. Ono is currently the one who started creating these works through self-study in an attempt to revive the technique.

Features of Kyo Satsuma.

Features of Kyo Satsuma include its delicate depictions. In particular, color gradations, gold lines, and dots are drawn with thin, dense, raised lines, which are very difficult to reproduce. Trial and error continue to this day.

The process involves sketching a design in black on porcelain, applying paint, firing at a low temperature, and then adding lines with gold or platinum. After another low-temperature firing to set the gold, the piece is complete.

Western paints are used, resulting in vibrant colors. Applying lines and dots with gold paint over this tightens the image and transforms it into a luxurious impression.

Ms. Ono's designs incorporate elements from the Meiji era while often featuring modern arrangements. Since the patterns depicted at that time were often slightly distorted, she strives to make them more regular. Furthermore, she incorporates patterns not only from Kyo Satsuma but also from metalwork of the period, resulting in unique designs.

Ms. Ono's Perspective on the Allure of Enameling (Kyo Satsuma).

Encountering Kyo Satsuma 20 years ago was a shock, and it inspired me to try creating it. Since there was nowhere to learn, I studied independently by looking at actual pieces and books, and it took 10 years to choose the tools and materials. Technically, it is extremely difficult, and I am still not satisfied, but there is an unreachable fascination in aiming for something amazing.

Gold Powder for pottery 22.66K

"Kiyomizu ware exhibition - Exhibition of Kiyomizu ware with colored enamels and craftsmanship" - Part 1: What is Kyo ware or Kiyomizu ware?

"Kiyomizu ware exhibition - Exhibition of overglaze enameling and handwork Kiyomizu ware" - Part 2:Workshop visit/Toan Co., Ltd.