Presented here are representative works by Miwa Jusetsu (Kyusetsu XI, real name: Sadao, 1910-2012), holder of important intangible cultural property (Hagi ware), and his eldest son, the present Kyusetsu (real name: Ryosaku, b.1940), mainly from the collection of the Hagi Uragami Museum.
　The Miwa family is a distinguished family of ceramists of Hagi ware that served as purveyor to the Choshu domain from the early Edo period. The name Kyusetsu has been passed down successively to hand down the traditional techniques of Hagi ware to the present.
　Jusetsu focuses maily on tea ceremony ware and pursues creativity demonstrating his own individuality on top of the tradition of the Miwa family. His recent onihagi ("Demon-Hagi") type teabowls with a rough surface have an overwhelming presence and symbolize this ceramist's style together with his magnificent works with a notched foot.
　Meanwhile, Kyusetsu XII produces sculptural works in the Hagi ware method to express his own inner world. Superimposing essential themes such as "eros" and "thanatos" on his own life story, the forms he creates are figurative and specific so that the viewer is given an easily understandable, intense impression. At times, the tinge of humor adrift there brings about brightness and a sense of refreshment.
　In the current exhibition, Jusetsu's oeuvre is represented by seven ceramics. As regards Kyusetsu XII, we have selected thirty eight works from early examples such as High Heel and Love to his recent work The Legend of the Dragon-Man. We hope you will enjoy the "exceptional creations" of father and son, which emerged from their impregnable faith towards making ceramics.
　Lastly, it was with deep sorrow and regret that we received the sad news of the passing on December 11 of Miwa Jusetsu, whose longevity we all expected. We offer our sincerest prayers for the repose of his soul.