Plate c. 20th century

This 'Plate' by Onodera Gen, now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, embodies the beauty of simplicity through its creation. It's not just an object; it's a testament to the act of making. The texture, the color – it all speaks to the material's journey. It's dark, almost black, but with a hint of metallic sheen that catches the light. There is a subtle texture, like the surface of the moon, with tiny variations that invite you to touch it. Notice that little circular indentation in the center. What was its purpose? Was it simply part of the design, or did it serve a practical function? Thinking about Gen's work, I'm reminded of Lucie Rie, who similarly elevated utilitarian objects into works of art. Both found poetry in the everyday, proving that art doesn't always need to shout to be heard. It can whisper too.