Mindscape (Kei)

2014

Not on view

Mihara Ken, who grew up in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, claims to have found his artistic inspiration in the majestic scenery of the region. The novel shapes and warm clay tones associated with ancient ceramic vessels are both evident in Mihara’s pottery, high-fired unglazed compositions made of clay with high iron content. This unglazed stoneware piece is a work of austere, spiritual simplicity embodying the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, derived from an acceptance and appreciation of the transience and imperfection of all things in nature. The varying coloration of the ceramic surface, Mihara’s trademark blues and greys, are the natural results of multiple kiln firings, each for a lengthy period of time and at different temperatures. The piece was created using a thin slab of clay, which was folded to convey both lateral and vertical movement.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

景
Title: Mindscape (Kei)
Artist: Mihara Ken (Japanese, born 1958)
Period: Heisei period (1989–2019)
Date: 2014
Culture: Japan
Medium: Multi-fired stoneware
Dimensions: H. 21 7/8 in. (55.5 cm); W. 12 in. (30.5 cm); D. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Gift of Naka Eiji, 2019
Object Number: 2019.450
Rights and Reproduction: © Mihara Ken
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Large Folded Vessel with Deep Blue-Grey and Cream Tones, Mihara Ken Japanese, Stoneware with natural ash glaze; multiple firings, Japan — Large Folded Vessel with Deep Blue-Grey and Cream Tones
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