The first time I saw the work of Masao Kozumi - I was struck by the level of singularity that could be present in an object of such deceptive simplicity. I am consistently drawn to that difficult balance of quiet and unique, traits that are commonly at odds with each other, with so much design being about newness just for the sake of newness or the overt display of mastery.
For me there is no greater achievement for a craftsperson than creating an object that is irreducibly simple and elemental, yet exudes individuality. With Kozumi, the form, material and color all come together in a sublime display of the maker's sensitivity to these fundamental parameters of design. He achieves something both modern and ‘old world’ at the same time.
In his work, small details come through that display a subtle irregularity from the hand—or in the case, the breath, as blown glass quite literally takes its form from the breath of the maker. Kozumi often works from moulds casted in iron, which are then blown into, to achieve his shapes.
Carrying forward the legacy of the Mingei movement, in the way I've understood it, Kozumi embodies the pursuit of elevating humble everyday utilitarian objects to the sublime - which must be one of the hardest things to do as a craftsman or designer. It is all too common to over-engineer for the sake of display or standing out - but restraint and this kind of quiet expression of elegance and beauty is what I find inspiring.
cup, cups, object, objects, glass, vessel, japan
