Wife Yukiko and I left our home in Chiba shortly after midnight, which made our departure on September 28. We drove across the main island of Japan to Kanazawa, arriving at about 6:15 am, just in time for breakfast at a family restaurant called Gusto. We made the trip to see Saiichi Matsumoto, an aging potter in the Kutani porcelain tradition, and buy some of his work. After stopping off at the Hayakawa Clinic, owned by old friends the Hayakawas where Dr. Hayakawa is an internist specializing in treatment of diabetes. When another friend, Masako Akashi, arrived, we were off to Torigoe, Masako zooming along ahead in her Mazda and we struggling to keep up in our Nissan Serena van.
About 40 minutes out of Kanazawa, we arrived at Torigoe, where Matsumoto Sensei has his atelier. We spend hours going through his thousands of wonderful works and came away with several that we felt would add something to our lives. Here are the major choices.
A bowl about 11 inches across. Usually priced at $1,000.
Smaller bowl about 9 inches across. Usually prices at $750.
This bowl, also about 9 inches across, is very much in the Kutani tradition of colors. $500.
A shallow bowl about 10 inches across. Lovely texture. $700.
Platter in origami motif. $300.
Grapes, apparently, as a good luck symbol. Set of five small dinner plates. $500/set.
Four small origami-style desert plates.
These are only a few of the items we purchased. As old friends, we received deep discounts, but we were glad to be able to help Matsumoto Sensei out as he is getting along in years and needs the income.
We also stopped at kimono artist Mizuno Yoko's atelier where she was making a ceremonial kimono. Mizuno Sensei works in the Kaga Yuzen tradition and one of her kimono and obi combinations usually sell at about $10,000. I don't have a photo, but will see if I can get one at a later date. Mizuno Sensei's daughter is an artist in glass. You can see her work at www.michikosakano.com if you are interested.
Akashi san's son is leader of the duo known as Moumoon. Look them up on YouTube and see what Japanese rock sounds like.
Comments