Mitsuyuki Kawase

Mitsuyuki Kawase (b. 1933) was born in Kiyomizu-Gojozaka, Kyoto, as the second son of Chikushun Kawase I, under whom he studied ceramics. He began working at the potter's wheel at the age of 13, honing his technique through, among other things, reproductions of ancient Chinese ceramics, and in 1951 he built his own kiln in Kiyomizu-Gojozaka and became independent. In 1964 he was selected for the first time for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and in 1968 he was elected a full member of the Japan Kogei Association. He has actively presented his work, primarily through solo exhibitions.

Building on the traditional techniques of underglaze blue (sometsuke), overglaze red enamel (akae), and gold brocade (kinrande) inherited from his father, Kawase Chikushun I, he has also pursued original creations using his own blue and yellow glazes. He produces delicate and richly decorative works, working across a variety of vessel forms including tea bowls, vases, tableware, and bowls.

Mitsuyuki Kawase has continued his ceramic work based in Kiyomizu-Gojozaka, Kyoto, carrying on the traditions of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki. Kiyomizu-Gojozaka has, since the Edo period, been home to numerous kilns and potters and stands as one of Kyoto's representative ceramic-producing districts, where a wide range of wares — tea utensils, tableware, and flower vessels — has been produced.

1964 — Selected for the first time for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (selected repeatedly thereafter)