The History of Ohi Ware with Ohi Chozaemon XI

3 July - 31 August 2021

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    Onishi Gallery is pleased to present, The History of Ohi Ware: Ohi Chozaemon XI, featuring works from the 11th generation head of the iconic potteryware family based in Kanazawa. Steeped in rich history and tradition, Chozaemon XI uses the generational knowledge passed on by his ancestors to elevate Ohi ware to a contemporary realm.  

     

     

     

  • In 1666, Lord Maeda Tsunanori of the Maeda clan requested Senso Soshitsu, the fourth-generation Urasenke tea master to teach him...

    © 加賀文化の華- 前田綱紀展–下村観山筆

    In 1666, Lord Maeda Tsunanori of the Maeda clan requested Senso Soshitsu, the fourth-generation Urasenke tea master to teach him the art of tea ceremony in the Kaga Domain.  Ohi Chozaemon accompanied Senso on this assignment and started producing tea bowls with clay sourced from Ohi, an area outside of Kanazawa.

  • Ohi Chozaemon I was a direct descendant of the master potter Raku Chojiuro. Combining his learned Raku techniques with the...
    Raku Tea bowl from the 17th century; in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
    Courtesy of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (object no. AK-MAK-737)

    Ohi Chozaemon I was a direct descendant of the master potter Raku Chojiuro. Combining his learned Raku techniques with the tutelage of Senso Soshitsu, Ohi established a unique kiln of Raku tradition that was unprecedented in Kanawawa at the time.

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    While Ohi Chozaemon XI's practice has been shaped by the rich generational knowledge of his family, the potter developed his own unique style while receiving his MFA at Boston University. This influx of new technique and ideas challenged him to grapple with the influences of Eastern and Western culture, resulting in the dazzling works featured in this viewng room. 

     

     

  • "I realized that I have to put my intuition into the clay. And when people drink [from my teabowls], I am sending them a message. This is why we make them by hand."

  • Learn more about Ohi chōzaemon xi 

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