UTSUSHI

　Utsushi, sometimes written as 写し in Japanese, is a traditional method in Japanese arts, particularly in ceramics and lacquerware, but it also applies to various other art forms such as painting and even sword making. It involves meticulously replicating a master’s work as a method of learning.

　At first glance, this might seem simply as copying, but utsushi is much more profound than that. It involves absorbing the spirit and aesthetics of the original work, understanding the techniques, materials, and intentions used by the original artist, and eventually internalizing these aspects to develop one’s own artistic identity.

　The practice of utsushi serves several purposes:

　Preservation: By replicating the work of masters, their techniques and artistic insights are preserved and passed down to future generations.
Learning: It is a way of learning through doing. By copying a master’s work, an apprentice learns not only technical skills but also the aesthetic judgment of the master. This process allows an artist to internalize these skills and judgments and eventually express them in their own unique style.
Respect: Copying a master’s work is seen as a form of homage and respect, acknowledging the mastery and artistic vision of the original creator.
Self-reflection: Through the process of utsushi, an artist can explore and understand their own artistic identity and skill level. The act of replication makes apparent the gaps between the master’s work and the student’s, forcing the student to confront and refine their own abilities.
In the West, originality and novelty are often highly valued in artistic creation, but in traditional Japanese arts, the value of imitation as a form of learning and respect is recognized and celebrated. Through the process of utsushi, an artist can eventually find their own voice and contribute to the ongoing evolution of their art form.