A six-fold paper screen painted in ink on a hakura (silk on gold) ground with abstract calligraphy “autumn leaves”.

Signed: Ryoji Koie

Seal: Ryoji Koie

Japan, 21st century, Heisei 23 (2011).

This contemporary painting by Ryoji Koie (b.1938) is a clear example of the artist’s ebullient personality. Although famous for his ceramic art, he never misses the opportunity to surprise his admirers by betraying their expectations and producing something different, be it in ceramic or another medium.

The calligraphy writing of “autumn leaves” captures the characteristic rhythm that the artist is known to use while creating in his studio in Tokoname. In order to cope with his extremely busy schedule and continue to produce work, Koie has said that he drinks, creates and sleeps cyclically at irregular intervals.

“I don't work without drinking. So I do my job while drinking, and when I get tired from drinking too much, I go to bed. Then, when I wake up, I start drinking and working. I keep on repeating that.” Interview by Yokoya Hideko 2002.

Ryoji Koie was born in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture in 1938 and is considered one of Japan’s most innovative and avant-garde ceramicists.