Visiting Kutani ware artist Mio Imae.
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Kanazawa is home to the tradition of Kutani ware, one of Japan's representative ceramics. Mio Imae, an artist who creates Kutani ware works there and delivers them to the local community. She has made the transition from the clothing industry and successfully combines new design and tradition in he...
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Have the person who picks up the work adapt it to their life.
Traditional Kutani ware has traditional patterns and colors, and has a slightly hard impression. Mr. Imae's works have a humorous style that makes you laugh. In addition, instead of using the traditional basic colors as they are, she dilutes the basic colors with white and mixes other colors in her own way, adding her own unique twist.
A total of 15 colors are used to create a soft atmosphere. By doing so, we are changing Kutani ware's sophisticated impression to one that can be easily incorporated into modern life. There is no set way to use Mr. Imae's works. You can put side dishes on it, display accessories on it, or just use it as interior decoration.
It is created with the hope that the person who picks up the work will use it in a way that suits their lifestyle. Mr. Imae's free style, which is not bound by tradition, and his attitude of being close to people, without imposing how they should be used, allow Imae's works to fit into our lives.
Why I chose Kutani ware from Ishikawa, my hometown
When he was casually taking a walk in Nakameguro, Tokyo, a sign that read ``Ceramics Classroom'' caught his eye. I came across the ``Kutani ware painting course'' during one of the classroom experience courses. Until then, he had not had a strong impression of Kutani ware, and since his hometown is Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani ware was commonplace in his parents' home.
However, it seems that there was an impression that traditional Kutani ware was not compatible with modern life. While changing jobs repeatedly, Mr. Imae wanted to try his hand at making things on his own, so he decided to dive into the world of Kutani ware. I passed the exam in just 3 months. With surprising energy, I immersed myself in the Kutani ware swamp.
The key word has always been to act immediately when you have an idea.
Mr. Imae's works are notable for their unique three-dimensional vessels. The secret to creating unique works is to start drawing them as soon as an idea comes to mind, and to leave a note on a nearby newspaper if an idea comes to mind while working on another piece of work.
In addition, he does not seclude himself in his studio, but is always conscious of interacting with the outside world, and sometimes takes part-time jobs unrelated to production. I look forward to seeing more of Mr. Imae's works, which open up new possibilities while respecting traditional crafts while receiving various outside stimuli.
Where you can see Imae's works
At Ichisho, a famous Kaga stick tea shop in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya district, the tea is served in Imae's own vessels. The warmth of Kutani ware and the scent of roasted green tea bring out the taste of a long-established store.
Her works can also be found in hotels. Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa uses Mr. Imae's works as art in the entrance and rooms.
Mr. Imae is opening up new possibilities for Kutani ware while respecting traditional crafts. Her unique ``life perspective'' is imbued in her technique of deliberately expressing Kutani ware in a soft manner.
Check out the rooms at Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa now!
Reservation page: https://go-resol-hotel.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/trinity-kanazawa
Official website URL: https://www.resol-hotel.jp/
Written by
Ishikawa
All sightseeing spots in Kanazawa city are within walking distance. Omicho Market is a 1-minute walk away, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Kanazawa. We welcome you with colorful flowers and Kaga temari art. An artistic space where the history of Kaga Hyakumangoku is alive, including Kutani ware, Kaga Yuzen, and Kimsuko latticework, which have fascinated people for over 350 years. At Eatwell Breakfast, you can enjoy Kanazawa's food culture to suit your body needs. All guest rooms are shoe-off style - rooms where you can take off your shoes and relax - creating a comfortable sleep. -Two concept floors- Kanazawa is famous for the saying, ``Even if you forget your lunch, don't forget your umbrella,'' so the concept floor with its bright and gentle colors is especially recommended. ``Rei''-kanazawa is a concept floor designed for female customers to spend their off time in style. ``Yu''-kanazawa is a stylish concept floor that combines Kanazawa's traditional culture and modern art. Please enjoy a unique and comfortable hotel stay with memories of Kanazawa that will make you enjoy coming back to the hotel.
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