With lines of silver breaking through a black laquer surface, the tenmoku pottery of Koji Kamada conjures images of the unknown universe. Visitors to an exhibition at Akasaka Yu Gallery celebrating Kamada's 30-year career have a rare opportunity to see masterpieces made by Japan's leading tenmoku potter.
Kamada's works give an impression of depth that's like being swallowed up in space. Colored dark blue, black and silver, they resemble stars exploding in the night sky or reflections of sunlight on a deep-blue sea.
"This is what fascinates me about tenmoku pottery," says Kamada. "When I look at these pieces, I see the sky, beautiful with sparkling stars, or a deep, mysterious galaxy."