Sunday, November 10, 2002

This is not a signature Going beyond signing a work as Anonymous, is an artist that simply leaves the work unsigned. This was the case with otherwise famous Japanese potters, Kawai Kanjiro and Shoji Hamada Kawai never signed his work but said, "My work itself is my best signature." There is no mistaking his distinctive style. Kawai Kanjiro Kawai exhibit shows grace under fire By ROBERT YELLIN for The Japan Times This was also do at least in part to the artistic principles to which they subscribed: The central philosophy behind mingei is steeped in the Zen Buddhist and Taoist concept of "Mu" -- a state of undifferentiated being, unattached to either positive or negative. It includes the precept that one should attempt to match the beauty that comes from hard work with the beauty in nature. And, unlike Western thought, there is no room for individualism. Traditional Japanese pottery depict the beauty of simplicity by Leon Nigrosh Here we have the lack of text normally associated with a piece. In this case, it provides an insight into a rich philosphical principle which governs the work and artist. However, both Shoji Hamada and Kawai Kanjiro signed the wooden box that the piece was stored in. Not all potters sign their work, but most provide special wooden boxes for them and these are usually signed. The value of Japanese pottery, while not dependent on an accompanying box, is enhanced if the original is available. According to a Phillips spokesperson, however, "retro-fitting happens on a regular basis." Art from the East Fred Stern 10:24:20 PM