Kitajima Shigemitsu Plate

Plate, stoneware 

Diameter 20.1 cm, height: 4.5 cm  

This plate was made by Kitajima Shigemitsu in Echizen. Kitajima founded Namiyose-gama in 1975 and dedicated decades to the traditional ceramics of his home region. His work builds upon the long history of Echizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient ceramic centers.

The plate was fired in a wood-burning kiln and impressively displays the characteristic aesthetic of traditional Echizen ceramics. Rather than a decorative glaze, the natural clay, the movement of the flames, and the fly ash created during firing determine the appearance of the piece.

The surface is defined by warm earth and red tones, ranging from dark brown to lighter, ochre-colored areas. Particularly striking is the irregular reddish area in the center. It blends softly into the darker sections and allows one to glimpse the movement of the fire during firing. Along the rim, lighter traces of ash deposits have formed, adding additional depth to the otherwise dark surface.

Fine throwing marks and the slightly irregular shape preserve the immediate character of the handcrafted production. Due to the wood firing, each area of the plate is exposed differently to heat, flame, and ash deposits. The resulting color gradients and surface textures are not applied afterwards, but are immediate traces of the firing process.

The plate thus combines a simple, functional form with the powerful and nature-connected expression for which Kitajima's work and the tradition of Echizen-yaki are known.