News — Hokujo

 A video about the art of Japanese teapot (kyusu) is available on YouTube. We will gradually post a compilation of works created over the past approximately 1~50 years by each artist, focusing on Tokoname-yaki teapots. Each artist pursues not only functionality but also beauty and creates unique works. [YouTube] The Art of Japanese Teapot  

Interview to Mr. Shimizu Hokujo about his art and technique of mogake (seaweed) Teapot. Hokujo told: Mogake art began at the end of the Edo period (1603-1867).Soft thin seaweed, which are taken in May and June are used for teapot decoration. Name of the seaweed is "Amamo" in Japanese. They can be found on the coast. It is picked in beach where people go pick up clams. The seaweed is where fish lay their eggs, so I do not take the seaweed from the root, but tear off the upper parts. We must think about the regeneration of the sea.In recent years, the...

The 68th Japan Traditional Kogei (Art Crafts) Exhibition was held in Tokyo in September 2021. The following artists' teapots were passed and selected for the exhibition and were exhibited. Reiko (Koie Hiroshi) Yokei (Mizuno Yokei) Hokujo (Shimizu Hokujo)  Shiraiwa Taisuke  What is this exhibition？ Japan's largest open-call-participants exhibition by the Japan Kogei Association with the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Government of Japan) and others.. It has been held once a year since 1954. The purpose of the exhibition is to protect and nurture Japan's excellent traditional crafts. Selected works after rigorous screening from the 7 categories of ceramics, dyeing and weaving, lacquer arts, metalworking, wood...