PLATTER by ASAMI Ryuzo

Two lines of drying persimmon, hoshigaki, each individually tied to a vine, are depicted using inlays of grey and black slip. It is a quietly very satisfying design executed in a demanding technique that the artist had begun working in after the Pacific War. This work was shown at the second post-war Nitten in1946, where it was awarded the Speciality, Tokusen, prize for its inlaid, zogan, technique. An auspicious symbol, the persimmon is considered to bring good luck, longevity and wisdom through its transformation from young bitter taste to mature sweetness.

The Asami kiln was established in Kyoto in 1852, by Asami Gorosuke I, and gained respect for its production of Tea Ceremony wares. It continues today under its sixth-generation head. Asami Ryuzo apprenticed under his grandfather, the second generation head, following the death of his father and elder brother. Graduating from the Kyoto City Municipal Art School in 1923, his work was first selected, and awarded, at the 1929 Teiten, thereafter becoming regularly exhibited throughout his career. In 1967 Asami gained the prestigious Japan Art Academy Award, Nihon Geijutsuin, for his zogan technique and, in 1977, he was awarded Kyoto’s Order of Cultural Merit for a lifetime’s achievement.