Plate c. 20th century

This plate was made by Kumano Kurōemon, a contemporary Japanese potter, who was born in 1955. His work exists in the long and complex history of Japanese ceramics, reflecting both tradition and individual innovation. Kurōemon is part of a lineage of ceramicists, and his identity as an artist is deeply intertwined with his family history and the cultural heritage of Japan. The rough, earthy texture and the subtle variations in color are achieved through specific firing techniques, and choices of glaze, connecting this piece to centuries of ceramic practices. However, this plate is not just a display of technical skill; it also reflects a personal journey and identity. In Japanese culture, ceramics are not merely functional objects, but vessels that embody a certain aesthetic and philosophical viewpoint. Kurōemon's work invites us to reflect on the relationship between tradition and modernity, individual expression and cultural identity. It's a quiet, contemplative piece that carries a lot of weight.