About the Artist - Yoshu Takenishi

Ceramicist

Takenishi Yoshu

Yosyu Takenishi

Joshua Blue, which expresses the "Sea of Seto" and the "Sky of Iyo", has attracted many people with its deep blue beauty, and has attracted attention as a new presence not found in Tobe ware up until now. In recent years, he has been active in a wide range of fields, including donating his work to the Vatican City.

Base of operations

Ehime Prefecture

Awards

Event history

Yosyu Takenishi Online Exhibition 2024

Base of operations

Ehime Prefecture

Awards

Event history

Asato Ikeda Online Exhibition 2024

Background/Profile

Message from Takenishi Yoshu

Short Videos

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

The Joshua Blue series, which expresses the blue of the Seto Inland Sea and the sky of the Ise region, has been recognized by many people for the beauty of its deep blue, and has led to the creation of a variety of unprecedented works in Tobe ware.

He has donated a variety of works to the Vatican in recent years and is an artist well versed in a wide range of fields.

My products are understood and highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also overseas for their design and beauty. They represent the pursuit of universal beauty common to people all over the world, and serve as a bridge between various different cultures.

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

The materials I use in my work are carefully selected to be of the highest quality and I place great emphasis on doing my work with my own hands, this allows me to carefully manipulate down to the minute scale and ensures my work will stand the test of time.

A special spatula is used to create the unevenness and the surface is brightened with the color of lapis lazuli.

Taking into consideration the unevenness and blue hues that create shadows, gold and platinum leaf is applied in a wrapping motion with a brush.

The solution containing gold or platinum is a dark brown color, so it is difficult to see in the shadows, so I often work while checking it from various angles. After that, it is fired in an electric kiln at about 760°C for about 5 hours.

After firing, the piece is inspected and if any parts need to be recolored, they are fired again.

Notable awards and donations

About a year ago, I was commissioned by the Vatican to create three different pots for a 200-year-old bonsai tree to be renovated. It was an opportunity to create an ambitious piece using gold leaf.

The moment I removed it from the kiln, I was reminded of the story of Moses coming to receive the Ten Commandments, with images of a majestic mountain surrounded by swirling clouds and rumbling thunder.

Representative works, styles, and series

[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.

[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.

[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.