3. Juni 2012 - New Ceramics

visualize the creator’s characteristics through this work. There
were so many tea sets and art pieces made by Ishiyama, either
on the table or floor; however, they cannot impress viewers at
all, and my impressions were vague too nine years ago.
When I stepped into the Kurokabe Museum in Nagahama,
from the entrance I first passed several rooms with tatami and
wooden sliding doors, and then I saw golden or silver saka cups
and tea bowls displayed in glass windows. The gold and silver
colours are implicit and modest, with a lightless tone. This sim-
IShIyaMa TeTSuya
opposite page "Zero Graph", 74 x 40 x 58 cm
left "Zero Graph", 142 x 87 cm, 2010
plicity and elegant design with the flowing lines of the art pieces
correspond well with the ancient Japanese house. From the main
house I went on to the atrium garden. Along the well-arranged
trees and flowing creeks, I found a room with precious goods.
Thick doors and solid walls led the viewers to a remodelled
exhibition hall. Ishiyama’s big scale “Traces of Zero” series was
showcased here. The volume and its unique artistic approach
truly made it an eye-opener to everyone.
Ishiyama said when he was a resident artist at Shigaraki Cultural
Park, Japan’s contemporary ceramist pioneer Fukami Sueharu
once told him that although his works are full of technical
innovations, they lacked the “heart and mind” of the creator. In
In 2001 Ishimaya participated in a competition
for tea bowls and won the grand prize.
His works became the collection for the organizers.
This accidental catalyst encouraged
Ishiyama and he was determined to continue
his ceramic art career.
May / June 2012 NEW CERAMICS 25
PROFILe