Potters:Aoki Mokubei
Aoki Mokubei[edit]
Aoki Mokubei (青木 木米, 1767 – 1833), born Nonomura Okabe (野々村 億計), was a prominent Japanese potter and painter active during the late Edo period. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to Kyō ware (京焼), especially in the production of sencha (煎茶) utensils, and his innovative use of Chinese ceramic styles.
Early Life and Artistic Development[edit]
Mokubei was born in Kyoto, the son of a sake brewer. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in painting and calligraphy, studying under Maruyama Ōkyo (円山応挙) and later under the literati painter Okada Beisanjin (岡田米山人). It was through Beisanjin that Mokubei developed a deep appreciation for Chinese culture, particularly the aesthetics of the literati (bunjinga, 文人画) tradition, which heavily influenced his later ceramic work.
His initial foray into ceramics began around 1795, when he established a kiln in Awataguchi, Kyoto, a traditional center for Kyō ware. He adopted the professional name "Mokubei," meaning "wooden rice," a whimsical reference to his family's brewing business and perhaps a nod to his humble beginnings.
Ceramic Innovations and Styles[edit]
Mokubei's genius lay in his ability to synthesize diverse ceramic traditions, primarily drawing inspiration from Chinese prototypes of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. He meticulously studied and reinterpreted various Chinese glazes and forms, including:
- Celadon (Seiji, 青磁): He successfully reproduced the subtle green hues of Chinese celadon, a challenging technique to master.
- Red Glaze (Shuyu, 朱釉): Mokubei was particularly skilled in creating vibrant copper-red glazes, reminiscent of Chinese sang-de-boeuf (oxblood) glazes.
- Blue and White (Sometsuke, 染付): He produced exquisite blue and white porcelain, often depicting intricate landscapes, figures, and auspicious motifs in the Chinese manner.
- Famille Rose (Aka-e, 赤絵): Mokubei also experimented with polychrome overglaze enamels, creating works with the vibrant "famille rose" palette.
Beyond Chinese influences, he also incorporated elements of Korean Yi Dynasty (1392-1910) ceramics and Japanese Raku ware (楽焼) and Kenzan ware (乾山焼) into his repertoire.
Mokubei is especially celebrated for his elegant and functional sencha (煎茶) utensils, including teapots (kyūsu, 急須), teacups (yunomi, 湯呑), and water jars (mizusashi, 水指). His sencha ware is characterized by its refined forms, exquisite glazes, and often features calligraphic inscriptions or subtle decorative motifs. He played a pivotal role in the popularization of sencha tea ceremony culture in Japan.
Later Life and Legacy[edit]
Mokubei's reputation grew steadily throughout his career, and he received commissions from prominent patrons, including feudal lords and members of the imperial court. He also traveled extensively, collaborating with other potters and expanding his artistic horizons.
Despite his success, Mokubei maintained a reclusive and independent spirit. He was known for his eccentric personality and his dedication to his craft. He passed away in 1833, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence Japanese ceramics to this day.
His work is highly prized by collectors and is exhibited in major museums worldwide. Aoki Mokubei is considered one of the "Three Great Potters of Kyoto" (Kyō no san-chōjin, 京の三町人), alongside Nin'ami Dōhachi (仁阿弥道八) and Eiraku Hozen (永楽保全), for his innovative techniques, artistic vision, and significant contributions to the development of Japanese ceramics.