Figure of Cormorant 1900 - 1952

Tennozan Kawashima made this ceramic figure of a cormorant. In Japan, cormorants aren't just birds; they're integral to a traditional fishing method called ukai. Fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish, a practice with deep historical roots and cultural significance. This sculpture’s smooth, dark glaze and simplified form might reference the formal traditions of Japanese ceramics, connecting it to a history of craftsmanship and design. The choice of a cormorant as subject matter highlights the relationship between humans and nature, while also pointing to specific economic activities. Is this artwork intended for a collector, a tourist, or a member of a fishing community? Understanding this piece involves exploring not only its aesthetic qualities, but also its role within broader social and economic systems. Museum archives and historical records of Japanese fishing practices can shed light on the meaning and purpose of art.