Lot 312
Shozo Michikawa (Japanese 1953-)
Natural Ash Bowl, 2007
Auction: 23 October 2020 from 10:00 BST
Description
stoneware
Dimensions
18.5cm high, 38.5cm across (7.3in high, 15.1in across)
Footnote
Exhibited:
Galerie Besson, Thirty Years, Thirty Pots, 2007.
"The energy of nature is truly immense. No matter how much our sciences and civilisation might evolve, the power of human beings is inconsequential in the face of natural threats such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and erupting volcanoes. I think this is why the works created by the natural world, for example, the patterns formed by the winds on the desert sands, or a majestic cliff overlooking the ocean, contain a power that can never be imitated by human hands. My own creative activities have been inspired by various phenomena in the natural world; even those that can be seen in everyday life."
Born on the northern most island in Japan, Hokkaido, Shozo Michikawa initially had a career in business but took up evening classes in art where he discovered a talent and passion for pottery. A few years later, he decided to give up his life in business and focussed on ceramics.
Michikawa was given the honour of being the first Japanese artist to have a solo exhibition in The Forbidden City, Beijing in 2005. His ceramics have now been exhibited in Japan and around the world and are now part of important international collections.