It has already been seven years since Keiko Yoshino became the owner of the Hazenotani Kiln.

Her father, Kai, passed away in 2015, and the memorial exhibition " Kai Yoshino x Keiko Father and Daughter Exhibition" was held at Kakiden Gallery the following year, 2016, so this is her first solo exhibition in about four years.

The "painted Karatsu sake bottle" that I received when Mr. Kai passed away is now on the bookshelf in my bedroom.

I only keep things I like in my room, so the sake bottle reflects Kai's straightforward personality, and I never tire of it.

I think this is probably one of Kai's masterpieces.

Keiko has inherited the best qualities of Kai, and creates very honest and sincere works.

He lacks the "self-centeredness" often found in contemporary writers.

When I travel, I sometimes take a sake cup with me. One of them is Keiko's "Black Karatsu Sake Cup."

This sake vessel, slightly distorted in the Oribe style, has a wonderfully simple and beautiful form. Being able to create something like this is surely a sign of talent.

Of course, technical skill is important, but there is also the charm of a person's character that transcends technical skill. Keiko's work strikes a good balance between technical skill and personality.

Just like the actors in Ozu films, the inherent goodness of the performer is directly reflected in the "form," leaving an indescribable "aftertaste."

I've heard that this exhibition will feature over 200 items, mainly tea ceremony utensils made from clay from Hazenotani, as well as sake vessels, tableware, and more, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Kouichi Mori (Art critic, Standing Director of the Japan Ceramic Society)