White Vase by Yasunori INOUE

Inoue Yasunori (b. 1958) followed in the footsteps of a monumental figure in Japanese ceramics, yet initially pursued a very different course. He is the son of the revered potter Inoue Manji, who was designated a Living National Treasure in 1995 for his mastery of white porcelain. Despite this celebrated lineage, Yasunori was not, at first, inclined to pursue a career in the arts. It was only after he completed his degree as a structural engineer in 1981 that he began to study the art of pottery under his father's guidance. Since that time, he has enjoyed considerable success in numerous prestigious, juried ceramics competitions. Like his father, Yasunori works primarily in white porcelain, to which he often applies pale or transparent glazes. However, a distinct stylistic separation exists between the two generations: while his father Manji often embellished his wares with traditional floral motifs, Yasunori's approach is notably more abstract. This modern perspective allowed him to honour the rich family tradition while simultaneously developing his own, unique voice within the world of Arita-ware.