Mid-Century Murata Gen Japanese Studio Pottery From Mashiko Village

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Inspired by Minagawa’s traditionality rooted in Buddhist precepts of collective creativity, Yanagi’s Mingei was thus conceived as a set of … Read more Inspired by Minagawa’s traditionality rooted in Buddhist precepts of collective creativity, Yanagi’s Mingei was thus conceived as a set of antithetical concepts, such as anonymity or tradition, vs individual creativity. From this emerged Murata Gen, a Mingei artist who subverted Yanagi’s movement towards defining a nationalized “Japanese” criterion of beauty. While creating pottery as a Mingei artist, he also began signing his works, thus removing the notion of anonymity. This clashed with Yanagi’s ideological sensibilities. Yanagi, who subscribed to anonymous craft as the ultimate expression of Japanese national cultural identities and values, disagreed with Murata’s attempt to expand the definition of Japanese criterion of beauty and art.
His robust works reflect the harsh living environment and his unwavered spirit. His outstanding works quickly established himself in Mashiko, he had exhibitions every year in the great Tokyo area. His reputation grew beyond. In his late years, he was given a highest award by the Tochigi prefecture— cultural merit award for his outstanding artistic contribution. See less