About the artwork

Genkainada is an area that has seen a communication of energies, transcending nationality and race, since the Muromachi Era, when Japanese pirates, known as “Wako,” were active in the area. Karatsu ware was born in the Momoyama Era, after the era following Muromachi, and developed significantly, employing the techniques of Korea and the climbing kiln. Kawakami produced works of Madaragaratsu, Egaratsu, Chousengaratsu, etc., using clay from the Karatsu area and a kick-driven wheel, and firing the pieces in a climbing kiln with a temperature above 1,300 degree centigrade. The works are full of power and receptiveness, and literally symbolize the communion in Genkainada.