Kakewake Ash Glaze Jar（分隔灰釉罐） - 陶瓷 - 木村盛和 Kimura Morikazu (1921-2015) - 日本 - 1900–2000

distinguished ash glaze jar with divided application by Morikazu Kimura Kimura Morikazu (1921-2015), a master ceramist renowned as Japan's foremost authority on temmoku (iron) glazes.

This refined jar exemplifies Kimura's expertise in ash glaze techniques, featuring the artist's signature kakewake (divided glaze application) method.

The jar stands 24 cm tall with a beautifully balanced form that showcases Kimura's mastery of both throwing and glaze chemistry.

The kakewake technique creates a striking visual effect where two different ash glazes meet and interact on the vessel's surface, producing subtle variations in color and texture that could only result from Kimura's deep understanding of glaze behavior during firing.

Kimura devoted his life to researching iron-based glazes, particularly temmoku, beginning his ceramic career at the National Ceramics Testing Institute in 1937 where he conducted fundamental research on iron glazes and clay bodies.

This scientific approach, combined with his artistic sensibility, allowed him to create works of exceptional technical and aesthetic quality.

While Kimura is most celebrated for his groundbreaking work with oil-spot temmoku and his successful recreation of the rare konoha temmoku (leaf temmoku), this ash glaze jar demonstrates his versatility and command of traditional Japanese glazing techniques.

The warm, earthy tones of the ash glazes reflect the natural beauty that Kimura consistently sought in his work.

The piece comes with tomobako (original signed wooden box), confirming its authenticity.

In excellent condition with no damage, this jar represents an important example of Kimura's exploration of ash glazes beyond his celebrated temmoku works.


Size
Height: 24 cm
Width: 20 cm
Depth: 20 cm
Weight: 3,017 g / 3.017 kg


Condition
The piece is in excellent condition with no visible damage or repairs. The glaze surface shows the natural variations characteristic of ash glaze firing.


Artist Profile
Morikazu Kimura Kimura Morikazu (1921-2015) was born in Kyoto's Gojozaka district, the traditional heart of Kyo-yaki pottery. In 1937, he joined the National Ceramics Testing Institute as a researcher, dedicating himself to fundamental research on iron glazes (temmoku) and clay bodies.
In 1946, Kimura established his pottery practice in Kyoto's Gojozaka and began his lifelong research into temmoku glazes. His work was deeply influenced by his fascination with the 800-year-old oil-spot temmoku tea bowls created during China's Song Dynasty. He traveled extensively throughout Japan, visiting mines and collecting minerals and stones from which he created his distinctive glazes.
Kimura was instrumental in founding the Japan Kōgei Association alongside luminaries like Ishiguro Munemaro and Uno Mitsuo, and exhibited regularly at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition from 1956 to 1976. In 1964, his work received both the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Excellence Award and the Japan Ceramic Society Prize, with the award-winning piece acquired by the National Museum of Modern Art.
In 1969, he had the honor of creating two oil-spot temmoku vases for the new Imperial Palace. In 1976, he relocated to Asahi Town in Fukui Prefecture, establishing the Ogurami Kiln where he continued his research and creative work.
Kimura successfully recreated the legendary konoha temmoku technique and developed innovative crystal glazes using crushed gemstones including emerald and ruby. He received numerous honors including the Fukui Prefecture Cultural Prize (1986), Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Prize (2005), and held commemorative exhibitions at major department stores to mark significant birthdays. He continued creating until his death in 2015 at age 94.


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