Kawahara Kenyû is a well-known and highly respected Japanese contemporary stoneware artisan of extraordinary talent. His pots possess a unique surface texture which he calls "matsukawa-mon" (literally, pine bark motif). He developed this, his signature style, over a long and dedicated career as a potter (more than three decades). His works exude both a refined elegance and a crude power which, juxtaposed against the other, result in a profound beauty. He signs his works with Kenyû (an alternate reading of his given name, Takeo). Kenyû currently resides in Mashiko, Japan.

This cylindrical-shaped “hana-ike” (flower container) was made in the year 2002 or 2003. It is signed on the bottom with a variation of “ken” (taken from his artist name; it roughly means “health”). It comes with a signed “kiri” paulownia box. The iridescent mottled black glaze on the inside of his pots adds a wonderful finishing touch.

Measurements
Height: 9.5 in. (24.1 cm)
Diameter: 5.5 in. (14 cm)

If you would like to receive a complete biography on this artist, showing his exhibition history, etc., please email me.