The Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, which was still in the process of recovering from the major earthquake on New Year's Day, has once again been hit by record-breaking heavy rains, causing extensive damage.

The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a major earthquake and torrential rains, have repeatedly shown us just how powerless we are against natural disasters.

Support activities are being carried out in various places to help the artists in Suzu and Wajima, which were severely affected by the disaster, and the artists of Team Kutani are extremely busy, but we would like to work together to promote the "7th Team Kutani Exhibition."

This time's theme"Auspicious Rui"This phrase means "Fortune is right before your eyes," and expresses the wish that much good fortune will come your way as you desire.

When you look at ancient Chinese ceramics, you'll find many auspicious motifs, such as the dragon (this year's zodiac animal), phoenix, bat, deer, and peach.

In this exhibition, ten artists will present their works expressing their vision of "good fortune and success," with the hope of a swift recovery.

Mayu SaitouThe "Ginkgo" tea bowl features a design of four ginkgo trees, cleverly utilizing the white space.

The elevated area depicts a thick trunk with extensive roots, from which new ginkgo trees are growing.

The new ginkgo nuts are enveloped by the large, lush ginkgo trees, depicting the cycle of life.

Shouni TajimaThe ceramic panel "Sea" is a two-dimensional work inspired by the sea, and the gradation from deep blue to white is magnificent.

There are several artists who are trying their hand at two-dimensional ceramic works, and these are welcome works for people living in apartments.

I deeply admire the author's attitude of constantly challenging himself.

Seito TamuraThis "Fine-Written Man'yōshū Waka Plum Blossom Incense Burner" is an incense burner created using the family's traditional Kutani brush calligraphy technique.

The entire surface is adorned with plum branches where nightingales perch, and the preface to the Manyoshu anthology and four waka poems about plums are inscribed on it.

The waka poem, "In the auspicious month of early spring, the wind is gentle and pleasant, the plum blossoms unfold like powder before a mirror, and the orchids emit a fragrance like perfume from a pendant," became the source of the Reiwa era name.

Tokuda Yaso𠮷"The Glazed Incense Burner, Festival Flower" is a work that originated from a trilogy of works created after the artist's battle with illness: the glazed vase "Crimson Door," the glazed bottle "Festival Flower," and the glazed vase "Red Spider Lily."

The green and purple gradient is captivating, and the single ray of red light depicted on the front shines like the flame of life itself.

Hiroshi NakadaThe "Pearl-Like Box" is a box with a unique pearl-like luster, and its plump form on the lid creates an appealing atmosphere.

Perhaps that gentle atmosphere actually stems from the four tense, defined ridges. It's a small piece, yet a dignified work.

Ikuo FukunagaThe "Colored Enamel Decorated Vase, Maine" is a round vase painted in blue and white, perhaps representing the Earth?

The blue background features arabesque patterns, while the white background depicts musical notes and arabesque designs.

Apparently, "Maion" means "heart leaping." Now that I think about it, the patterns do look like they're dancing to music.

Masayasu MitsukeThe "Red-painted Fine-drawn Feather Pattern Cup" features a pattern resembling a peacock spreading its feathers within an oval shape.

The interior features eight windmill-like blades, and the feathers covering the base also have a dynamic and captivating appearance.

Drinking sake from a cup like this makes me feel like something good is sure to happen.

Youka MutaThe "Pale Celadon Dragon Sake Cup" and "Yellow Celadon Kirin Sake Cup" are sake cups depicting dragons and kirin (mythical creatures) with remarkable skill.

In China, as exemplified by the auspicious phrase "Dragon and Phoenix Present Auspiciousness," the appearance of the dragon, the chief of all spirits, and the phoenix, the king of all birds, was considered the greatest omen.

The Qilin is a mythical bird born from the phoenix, and is said to appear in times of peace and prosperity.

Masato YashikiThe "Half-Moon Vessel" is likely a water container, but the artist apparently didn't consciously think of it as such, instead trying to express a "feeling of circulation."

The crescent moons, each of different sizes, are depicted in gold and silver, and the way the mouth and body widen towards the end evokes a sense of "circulation."

Yukio YoshitaThis "Kinrande-style colored water container" is created by layering overglaze paint multiple times, and features a modern design with gold leaf applied over three colors: red, yellow, and green.

The water container has a tiered body and a widening shape that is considered auspicious and symbolizes prosperity.

Kanazawa and Komatsu also suffered significant damage in some areas.

I am working hard at the forefront of the revival of Kutani ware.

forest Koichi (Art critic, Standing Director of the Japan Ceramic Society)