Photographs by shiinoki / AMKK
Title : BLUE FLOWER REBELLION
Date : July 4, 2015
Place : Izumiyama-Jisekiba, Saga
Time : 17:30 – 19:00
Flower vases can enhance a flower’s beauty, or ruin it. In ancient times, vases were considered works of art and were developed by artisans with an appreciation for foreign cultures and bygone eras.
Kaki Kenkyusho, a laboratory for studying flower vases is established by Azuma Makoto, a flowerartist who deals with the beauty and life of flowers on a daily basis, and Hirotoshi Maruwaka,an expert who pursues and presents the future of Japanese artisanship. This laboratory attempts to combine contemporary aesthetics and traditional techniques with the aim of rediscovering the essence and universality of artisan-made vases.
For the laboratory’s inaugural project, we have partnered with Tsuji Hitachi, the 15th master of Tsuji House, a renowned porcelain kiln in Arita with a 360 year history. The kiln was royally warranted to create porcelain for the royal family and has been producing numerous outstanding pieces for centuries. Among their masterpieces, the laboratory was drawn to one piece in particular,“Four Kunshi (Four Noble Ones).” The classical Oriental motif depicts a plant for each of the four seasons. It was proposed that the 15th master would add motif of four modern plants. “Eight Kunshi” was thus born with four new plants added to the traditional motif.
Sensitivity and passion of the 15th master resulted in an unprecedented fusion of past and present.The large-scale porcelain “Eight Kunshi” depicts delicate and fleeting flowers in vivid blue. The eight plants coexist in peace, each transcending its own significance. Unique masterpiece will be unveiled for only one night here in Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain.
15th master of Tsuji House
AMKK is a company developing the experimental creation by Azuma Makoto, a flower artist, whose subject is flowers and plants. The activities of AMKK aim to increase the existential value of plants by finding out the most mysterious figure only owned by flowers and plants and converting it to the artistic expression.
AMKK
AMKK is a company developing the experimental creation by Azuma Makoto, a flower artist, whose subject is flowers and plants. The activities of AMKK aim to increase the existential value of plants by finding out the most mysterious figure only owned by flowers and plants and converting it to the artistic expression.
azumamakoto.comMARUWAKAYA
With CEO Hirotoshi Maruwaka at its helm, Maruwakaya examines treasured Japanese craft techniques, together with cutting edge technology to design and produce enhanced traditional objects. These hybrid products that embrace tradition and innovation are especially appropriate for the sensibilities of the 21st century.
maru-waka.com