One of the greatest challenges facing any Japanese artist is to mix tradition with meaningful innovation. Many artisans merely imitate the past with little originality -- a rehashing of past masters that leaves many of Japan's great artistic traditions in stagnation.
One contemporary ceramic artist who is meeting the challenge of balancing the past with his own creative vision is the current master of the Baizan (Plum Mountain) kiln, Takuo Nakamura. His work can be seen at Wako Hall located in Ginza Wako department store until July 28.
Nakamura finds inspiration in the ceramic styles of the Edo Period (1603-1868), while at the same time he keenly observes modern life in his hometown, the culturally rich city of Kanazawa, located on the Japan Sea.