Over a period of 800 years
Kyosuke Hayashi was born in Toki City in Gifu Prefecture. When he was 23, he entered Toki City Ceramic Research Institute as a trainee. The following year, he won a prize at The 30th Ceramics Design Competition, earning him recognition early.
He later studied under Living National Treasure Kozo Kato, and refined his skills.
He won numerous prizes, drawing the attention of many, but his name came to be known widely after he succeeding reviving ”Youhen Tenmoku”.
Continuing creative work and research
“Youhen Tenmoku” are tea bowls made in ancient China, and there are only three from the Southern Song Dynasty that exist today. All three are in Japan, and are designated as National Treasure. ”Youhen” refers to articles with star like spots on the surface of black glaze ( to create a rainbow-like sparkle)
It was not known how the stars were made until recently, and many had tried making ”youhen” but failed. Hayashi succeeded in creating ”youhen” for the first time in 800 years.
This artwork was highly praised by not only the Japanese pottery industry but also the general public, and received Gifu Prefecture Governor Award.
There are still many unknown factors to ”youhen”, and Hayashi continues his research.
Even with the remarkable advances in modern science, the secrets of ”youhen” pattern cannot be identified. It is still not known whether the pattern can be created intentionally, or if they are beautiful patterns created by chance. However, it is a fact that ”youhen” continues to be attract people even after 800 years.
