Anthony Lee - Jan 01 2020
Joshu Ruri: A fusion of traditional ceramics and religion
Ceramics made by an artisan potter who looks to preserve traditional techniques while making unique modern innovative designs!
Joshu Ruri: A new brand that looks to fuse traditional techniques with modern tastes
To commemorate 30 years in the industry, I, Joshu Takenishi, a Tobeyaki ceramics specialist based in Ehime Prefecture, am looking to bring to the world a whole new brand!
As an individual potter, I look to protect the traditional methods of making Tobeyaki, while at the same time trying to make revolutionary designs, creating a fusion between the two with the result being a modern item that can fit into today’s lifestyle.
As the representative of Kamamoto Joshua Koubou, in 2012, I created the Joshua Blue series, a series of ceramics that takes inspiration from the blue of the Seto Inland Sea, which is unique for its deep blue gradation and represents the new possibilities of Tobeyaki ceramics.
I feel invigorated when I create new ceramic pieces, and it's this vigour that has inspired me to create an even deeper blue in the form of a new series, the Joshu Ruri, a series that has even more value as a pieces of art.
Exclusive For Kickstarter
For Kickstarter, I am looking to launch two new items in the Joshu Ruri Series. I have decided to create a cup alongside a dessert plate, that Kickstarter Users are able to get their hands on first.
Cup
A cup that is perfect for use on a daily basis. Starting with the vivid blue with no trim, there are also two other versions, that utilise gold or platinum leaf. I hope that you can back this set and enjoy using a fabulous piece of art.
Dessert Plate
A dessert plate that is perfect for your sweet treats! The vivid blue helps your food to stand out. There are also versions with platinum leaf and gold leaf available as well as a unique plain ceramic version with blue glaze. We hope that you choose one that suits your needs.
Inspired by various characters from the Bible
Most Japanese people are followers of Buddhism or Shinto (or both in some cases) but I am one of the rare cases of being a practicing Christian. In Japan, the amount of Christians is about 1%, which compared to many Western countries is quite low. With this project, I wish to bring new products that have an essence of something that is important to me, while having an essence of Western culture.
I look to go past the limits of ordinary ceramics, shaped by Japan’s unique traditional culture, and while I base my work on the traditional techniques of Japanese ceramic making, I look to also incorporate the essence of the Bible into my work, in which I feel I have succeeded in making pieces of art that show off a unique and rare world view.
Tobe-yaki is a traditional ceramic art form that has continued on since the mid-Edo Period, and for centuries its production methods and aesthetics have been passed down. I want to emphasise the historical background and cultural awareness of the art and make people realise that Tobe-yaki isn’t just for making normal tableware, but instead is a symbol of Japan’s aesthetic and craftsmanship spirit.
I hope that when you take my art into your own hands, you can feel part of the Japanese essence that is inside, but also the essence of the biblical culture. How you feel it is entirely up to you!
Perfect for special occasions or events, make your special days even more vivid!
The Tobe-yaki items that I make aren’t just practical pieces, but they also work brilliantly as pieces of interior design. My work's main feature is the deep blue that many are attracted to and leaves a deep impression when displayed as interior decoration.
1. A beautiful texture thanks to being made for porcelain
My work is based on the traditional techniques of Tobe-yaki, which has been around for over two hundred years.
Tobe-yaki is known as being one of the most durable ceramics among all of Japan’s porcelain, and unlike various other ceramics, it can be used in the microwave and can be washed in the dishwasher, which is great for most households!
2. The brilliant qualities of the materials used
The materials that I use in my pieces are hand-selected to be of only the highest quality, and the focus of my work is done using my own hands. This allows me to carefully manipulate to the minute scale and helps me to ensure that the piece can stand the test of time. Using a special spatula, I create unevenness, which is then lightened with a lapis lazuli colour.
Keeping in mind the unevenness and blue colour that creates shades, and using a brush I apply the gold leaf and/or platinum leaf in a winding manner. As the solution that contains the gold or platinum is a dark brown colour, it can be difficult to see in the shaded areas, so I often check from various angles as I work. Then I fire the item in an electric kiln at about 760℃ for about five hours.
After firing, I inspect the item, and if parts need recolouring, I do so and then refire the piece.
3. Uniqueness and originality
Each of my pieces is made using original designs and is done by hand, which leads to one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. This means each item is unique and is valuable as a piece of art, and you won’t find one that is the same as the one you own.
Moses
On Mount Sinai, among thunder and lightning and storm clouds, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. This series of works looks to encapsulate grandeur and holiness.
After shaping on a potter’s wheel, I hold a spatula as you would a brush when writing Japanese calligraphy, and create unevenness, which is an expression of Japan. After this step, the carving and the gilding of the bowl are done, with the Japanese aesthetic thought process of ma, which means space, in mind.
Solomon
The son of King David, Solomon was known as a wise king and created a strong kingdom. Platinum is used to bring to mind wisdom.
After shaping on a potter’s wheel, I hold a spatula as you would a brush when writing Japanese calligraphy, and create unevenness, which is an expression of Japan. After this step, the carving and the gilding of the bowl are done, with the Japanese aesthetic thought process of ma, which means space, in mind.
Adam
Adam is said to be the first human that God created using just Earth. By showing some of the clay in the work, I look to represent the creation of man.
After shaping on a potter’s wheel, I hold a spatula as you would a brush when writing Japanese calligraphy, and create unevenness, which is an expression of Japan. After this step, the carving and the gilding of the bowl are done, with the Japanese aesthetic thought process of ma, which means space, in mind.
Esther
Esther was a queen who protected her people from the evil workings of the High Official Haman.
After shaping with a potter's wheel, and adding the lapis lazuli colour, I add a blue and white glaze, which creates a soft feminine expressive piece of art. This work was made with scenes of nature found in Japanese gardens, such as water, trees, and stepping stones.
David
King David, was the father of Solomon, and is famously portrayed in Michelangelo's statue of David. Using the materials prepared by King David, his son Solomon built the palace. This design is extremely simple, and brings to mind this humble king.
Rebecca
Rebecca was the wife of Isaac, son of Abraham. She was said to be beautiful and while also being kind. The name Rebecca is said to mean "captivating beauty" or "to tie, or bind".
Mt.Fuji
A vase that is made in the image of Mt. Fuji, a massive symbol of Japan.
Products
What is Tobe-yaki?
Tobe-yaki or Tobe ware is the ceramics that is made in the town of Tobe in Ehime Prefecture. It is designated as an intangible cultural property by Ehime Prefecture, Japan. This quintessentially traditional craft is made primarily in Tobe, and its origins date back to the mid-Edo Period. The main characteristics of this amazing ceramic style is the thick and durable structure, making it create for everyday use as tableware and vases, as well as tea sets. Tobe-yaki characteristic design is a white background with indigo paintings. This is made using the special white Tobe clay that has been painted on with cobalt blue glaze, that makes a beautiful contrast. The indigo-glazed paints are done by hand, and you can enjoy the unique differences between each piece.Tobeyaki is known for its durability and beauty, and is highly valued not only domestically but also internationally, and is beloved by many around the world. It has a long and rich history and tradition, but it has also evolved to meet the shifting needs of the time, and the form and function of this ceramic will surely be beloved as a reminder of the Japanese aesthetic beauty that it brings to mind when in everyday use.
About the Creator
Joshu Takenishi
Born in Ehime Prefecture in 1964. In 2000, took over the Keisengama Kiln from the his father Keisen Takenishi to become the second generation owner. In 2001, changed the name of the kiln to Joshua Kobo.
My main series, the Joshua Blue Series, looks to express the Seto Inland Sea and the sky of the Iyo region, and this leads to a brilliant beautiful deep blue that is attractive to many people, and I look to create and collect works that utilise Tobeyaki and haven’t been seen until now.
Recently, I have donated works to Vatican City, and I am seen as being one of the most notable artists working in a vast range of fields.
