On a cold day in February, I visited Fumio Matsutani in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture.

I was greeted with the same kind smile as always, and while enjoying a delicious, freshly brewed Matsutani coffee, we had a wonderful time chatting about all sorts of interesting things.

Now, for this exhibition, the first at our gallery in two years, the artist has given it the subtitle "Renmon" (Refinement/Inquiry), reflecting his intention to re-examine his current approach to creation, and will present approximately 80 of his latest works to the world.

What I find appealing about Matsutani's work is its expansive and free "undulating forms" and the abundance of fine "texture of grooves" that permeates the pieces.

The finished pieces, created through a time-consuming process of shaping, trimming, groove making, glazing and bisque firing, glazing and final firing, and polishing, exude a unique presence.

Such works always have the character "黎" (rei) in their titles, such as 黎器 (reiki), 黎碗 (reiwan), and 黎盃 (reihai). While 黎 means dark, the name was chosen to represent works of black that are not quite black.

This exhibition will feature not only Rei's award-winning works, but also new pieces, including some in blue, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of works will be submitted.

I hope you will enjoy looking at it.

Shop owner Takashi Yasuda