About the author, Genyo Kono

Ceramicist
Genyo Kono
Genyo Kono
He is one of the most highly skilled Tobe ware artists, having been awarded a first-class national certification for his work, which he has made use of his experience as an interior designer. He creates pieces that suit both Western and Japanese styles and are appropriate for the new era.
Base of operations
Ehime Prefecture
Awards
-
Event history
Genyo Kono Online Exhibition 2024
Base of operations
Ehime Prefecture
Awards
-
Event history
Genyo Kono Online Exhibition 2024

Background/Profile

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Message from Genyo Kono

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Genyo Kono

Genyo Kono / Ceramic artist

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He is one of the most highly skilled Tobe ware artists, having received high praise for his work, which he has applied his experience as an interior designer to, and has been certified as a first-class craftsman by the National Examination. He creates pieces that suit both Western and Japanese styles and are appropriate for the new era.

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Base of operations: Ehime Prefecture

Awards:

Event history: Genyo Kono Online Exhibition 2024

Message from Genyo Kono

    Career history (how you got into traditional crafts, how you studied and got trained by an apprentice, etc.)

    Born in Uwa-machi, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, he graduated from Osaka University of Arts. In 1983, he started training in the esoteric Buddhist teachings of the Shingon Sect, and in the same year became a monk. In 1985, he was awarded a prefectural prize. In 1990, he opened the Gensaiyo Kiln. From then, he has won numerous awards at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition. He also has much experience in the interior design and display design fields and is certified by the national boards of certification in both ceramics and display design as a first-grade technician.


    Through his experience as an interior designer, he has created Tobeyaki pieces that are highly valued, is officially certified as a first-grade technician, and is one of the most skilled potters of Tobeyaki. He makes items that fit both Japanese and Western styles, and that are fitting for the new eras.

    Characteristics of the author and style (how and experiences that led to the current style)

    The fusion of sacred Shikoku O-Henro Pilgrimage tradition and modern ceramic craftsmanship

    The Gensaiyo Tumbler is the fusion of the spirit of peace that has a base in the Shikoku O-Henro, or pilgrimage, and modern day pottery techniques, making the project extremely special. The clay for the glaze has been taken from the sacred ground at Senyuji Temple. It is said that the clay is infused with sacred energy, and as this is used to make the tumblers, these tumblers themselves are infused with this special energy.
    They have a unique air to them, and the spirit of Senyuji Temple together with the local characteristics of Shikoku can be felt in this cup. The use of traditional techniques fused with a modern design makes for not only a practical cup but also a beautiful piece of art that truly has value.
    By putting all of our hard work into this project, we truly believe that by delivering this product to people all over the world, we can support the local traditions of Shikoku as well as the manufacturing industry as well!

    A valuable souviner of a sacred place!

    The clay that is used is taken from Senyuji Temple, a sacred site, and has an intrinsic tie with nature, that you can feel when you use the cup. The clay is said to have spiritual power, and by using it is it said to bring spiritual peace.

    Genzai glaze is a glaze that is black, which in itself is rare, and bamboo charcoal is used as a special material in the making of it

    Representative works, styles, and series

    Using sacred clay as part of the glaze

    This tumbler uses clay that has been taken from Senyuji Temple, the 58th temple on the pilgrimage, as part of the glaze. This temple's clay is said to be infused with sacred energy, and by using it as a glaze, it passes this energy onto the cup.
    The use of this clay comes from the traditional culture of the pilgrimage, known as osunafumi, where a small piece of sand or dirt is taken from each of the 88 temples and collected so that those who aren't able to go on the pilgrimage can stand on or in front of the dirt and pray. By doing so, it is said that even those who aren't able to go on this age can get the same benefits as those who have. By using clay from Senyuji Temple in the making of this cup, and by using it on a daily basis, you can feel the same spiritual energy from the temple, and we hope that you feel the spirit of peace flow through you.

    [Series]

    Suiha - Green & Blue Tumultuous Waves

    Hekiha - A Calm Green & Blue Wave

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