The Heart’s Sentence, Murata Shuko

When Murata Shuko said in “Kokoro no Fumi” (Letters from the Heart) that he wanted to “muddy the border between Japanese and Chinese,” he was declaring that the tea ceremony should use not only Chinese ceramics, but also Kuniyaki(Chinese ceramics). In the field of ceramics, Chinese ceramics (such as Jingdezhen ware) had long been considered the best, but as “Kuniyaki” kilns were established throughout Japan, the ceramics produced there also became more interesting. These include Shigaraki ware, Seto ware, Bizen ware, Tanba ware, Echizen ware, and Tokoname ware. These were collectively referred to as the “Six Old Kilns”.

A well-proportioned karamono celadon vase with ears. In contrast, the Kuniyaki Iga ware vase with ears is shaped with severe distortion and natural glaze scenery.