SUZUKI Goro: a master piece

Dai Ichi Arts
Oct 24, 2016 7:32PM

Japan is heaven for potters - there are more potters in Japan than anywhere else in the world, working diligently both within the realm of tradition and beyond. There they can make a decent living with their work, as department stores, galleries, and museums are constantly exhibiting and selling ceramics. Throughout the history of Asia, we have seen brilliant craftsmen make beautiful and original works, but once in a while a shining star rises above the rest, a potter whose works reveal a mesmerizing creative spark that is completely original and exciting. 
Suzuki Goro is one of these rare shining stars. One of our very favorite artists, Goro presents here an explosive, jaw-dropping work. It dances, it sings. It demands attention, kicking and screaming just like the artist's inner child is still kicking and screaming. Goro is the quintessential artist potter. He respects traditional values and has devoted his life to making functional works like tea bowls, water jars, cups, and flower vases. But at the same time, he has developed a highly original personal style that introduces his characteristic playfulness and vibrancy into these traditional forms. 
Here, we see one of his wilder constructions. Encrusted with energetic twists of clay, this vessel shows us the fun side of the ceramic arts. It could be a gnarled tree, an exploding firework, abstracted spaghetti, or any number of things, but whatever it is, it shows us that Goro is not just your usual potter. His work excites and engages, infused as it is with his joyful creative energy!
This piece was made for a Golden Award in 2002. Menard museum in Nagoya chose this work as the centerpiece around which they built a tea ceremony stage, acknowledging the fact that Goro is a once in a lifetime - once in many lifetimes - type of artist. Bravo, Goro San!

SUZUKI Goro 鈴木五郎 (1941- )
Oribe Vase 織部花入, 2002
H26" x Dia16", H66 x Dia40.5 cm
Stoneware
Exhibited at the Golden Ceramic Society Award Exhibition in 2002
Exhibited and published at Menard Museum, Nagoya in 2015

Oribe Vase 織部花入, 2002
Dai Ichi Arts
Dai Ichi Arts