Greetings from Mishima,

As the year 2009 slowly winds down we close our exhibition schedule with a look at 20 of Koinuma Michio’s empowered kabuto–Samurai helmets.

Kabuto are objects with a significant history here in Japan, worn by the warrior class Samurai for protection in battle, they also were symbols of power and clan affiliations; many were also beautifully constructed to resemble works of art.

Nowadays families display model ones during Boy’s Day in the spring in hopes of a strong and healthy future. Each of Koinuma’s helmets has an ancient aura surrounding the darkened patina of each work, as if they were excavated from a lord’s tomb.

The symbolism is strong in each representing character, boldness, humility, honor and courage. Fired in a small wood-burning kiln, each is given a unique firing scheme that can never be duplicated.

Koinuma(b.1936) imparts to all his unique ceramic creations a deep spirituality combined with a pure Japanese aesthetic; he’s been doing this for decades and as such is respected as one of Japan’s most important veteran ceramic artists.

Sizes range from 13 to 23cm.tall and prices are between 100,000-160,000 yen with signed boxes. Each is hollow yet very solid with a good weight and balance; additional photos of any gladly sent upon request. Koinuma’s kabuto are on the web gallery now for viewing and in time for the holidays.

Next year look for a new look to our online gallery; we’ve been working with a great team of web designers and look forward to the debut in early January. Also on tap for 2010 are exhibitions by Nagaoka Masami, jars by Koinuma, colorful Shimura Noriyuki and a rare look at veteran Hirashimizu potter Niwa Ryochi; other exhibitions to be announced.

With any orders through the end of the year we’ll be including a traditional hand cloth called a tenugui that was designed by Ajiki Hiro as a year-end gift.

With much thanks for all your interest and support this year.
Wishing all a very pleasant, enjoyable and healthy holiday season.

Warm regards,

Robert Yellin
HOMEPAGE

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