Best Photos of the Day

In Mingei Modern, Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. presents a group of ceramic works by Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966), one of the founding figures of the Mingei Movement. From left to right: the flat, square jar from the mid-1950s, the 1961 stoneware flask featuring Kawai's signature Gosu blue glaze, and the 1955 platter with a Hakeme glaze, which reflects Kawai's deep engagement with traditional Korean ceramic techniques.

This stoneware square bottle, crafted by the esteemed Japanese potter Hamada Shoji (濱田庄司) between 1970 and 1979, showcases his signature techniques and aesthetic. A prominent figure in the Mingei folk art movement, Hamada often employed iron glazes and subtle underglaze decorations, as evidenced by the persimmon motif on this piece. The bottle's square form, along with the distinctive finger mark, highlights Hamada's dedication to handmade craftsmanship.

This set of five stoneware dishes, made by the celebrated Japanese potter Hamada Shoji (濱田庄司) between 1894 and 1978, exemplify his dedication to traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of folk art. Each dish, measuring approximately H1 x W5 x D5 inches (H2.5 x W12.7 x D12.7 cm), features a rich persimmon glaze, a characteristic element of Hamada's work. The set's authenticity and provenance are further affirmed by its inclusion within a signed wood box (tomobako), a customary practice for preserving and authenticating fine Japanese ceramics.

This white porcelain jar, created by the renowned Korean artist Shin Sang-ho (신상호) in 1991, exemplifies his minimalist aesthetic. The simple, cylindrical form and pristine white glaze highlight the purity of the material and the artist's focus on essential form. Measuring H8 x Dia 10 inches (H20.3 x Dia 25.4 cm), the jar's value and provenance are further emphasized by its inclusion in a signed wood box (tomobako).

This delicate white porcelain water dropper, crafted by the esteemed Korean artist Ahn Dong-Oh (안동오), also known as An Togo (安東五), showcases the refined simplicity characteristic of his work. The piece, a "baekja sudjeok" (백자수적) or white porcelain water dropper, measures H3 x W2 5/8 x D2 3/8 inches (H7.6 x W6.8 x D6 cm). Its smooth, unadorned surface and elegant form highlight the purity of the porcelain material.

This stoneware sake cup, a "shiro hai" (白盃) or white cup, crafted by Kawai Sota (河井創太), features a distinctive glaze trailing effect. Measuring H2.4" x Dia2.4" (H6.0 x Dia6.0 cm), the cup's simple form is enhanced by the dynamic movement of the glaze, showcasing the artist's control over the material.

This stoneware box, created by the renowned Japanese potter Kawai Kanjiro (河井寛次郎), who lived from 1890 to 1966, features a rich Gosu glaze. Measuring H2 3/4 x W4 3/8 x D2 7/8 inches (H7 x W11.2 x D7.2 cm), the box exemplifies Kawai's distinctive style, which blended traditional Japanese techniques with a modern sensibility. As a key figure in the Mingei folk art movement, Kawai emphasized the beauty of everyday objects.

This celadon jar, crafted by the esteemed Korean artist Shin Sang-ho (신상호) in 1991, showcases the serene beauty characteristic of his work. The piece, made of porcelain with a delicate celadon glaze, measures H10 x Dia 4 inches (H25.4 x Dia 10.1 cm). Its elegant form and subtle coloration highlight the artist's refined craftsmanship.

This small, flat stoneware jar, created by the influential Japanese potter Kawai Kanjiro (河井寛次郎, 1890-1966), exemplifies his characteristic blend of traditional techniques and personal expression. Measuring H2 3/8 x W4 x D4 3/4 inches (H6.1 x W10.2 x D12.2 cm), the jar's simple form and earthy material reflect Kawai's dedication to the Mingei folk art movement, which celebrated the beauty of everyday objects.

This stoneware flat jar, created by Kobayashi Togo (小林東五), features a striking black glaze that enhances its simple, yet elegant form.