History of Mentō
Early Stage
Characteristics of the Mentō
Shapes of the Mentō were mostly flat. The glaze was not yet determined and this stage represented a lot of trial and error.
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Shapes Evolved to Three-Dimensional
Characteristics of the Mentō
After Kuraku travelled to India and Nepal, shapes of the Mentō evolved from flat to three-dimensional.
Surfaces of the Mentō were rough and trial and error still continued in this stage.
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Middle Stage
Characteristics of the Mentō
With great enthusiasm and passion, Kuraku held large-scale exhibitions in this stage. The Mentō evolved a lot and they showed great energy and liveliness. The work of this stage were powerful and large in sizes.
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Latter Stage
Characteristics of the Mentō
Glaze and baking temperatures were determined. Kuraku’s passion for creating Mentō stayed strong, but he had calmer feelings towards his creation. The Mentō from this stage had sharp but calm or mild expressions and surfaces were smooth.
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Last Stage
Characteristics of the Mentō
As Kuraku’s wife became unwell and he also had some health problems, it became difficult to create
Mentō as much as he wished. While taking care of his wife, Kuraku continued to create one palm-
sized small Mentō everyday. Most of the Mentō from this stage had sorrowful or concerned look and
they were never baked.
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History of Mentō and Major Events
Early Stage (50 to 51 Years Old)
Characteristics of the Mentō
Shapes of the Mentō were mostly flat. The glaze was not yet determined and this stage represented a lot of trial and error.
Oct. 1976
Bought a book “An Introduction to Pottery” and while reading it, an idea came to Kuraku’s mind to create his own ceramic work. Purchased a small electric kiln and started creating Mentō with trial and error. (From “Nihon Bijyutsu Kougei”, an Art Magazine, 468th Edition, Sept. 1, 1977)
Feb. 1977
Wanting to do more in earnest, Kuraku purchased an oil kiln. He placed it on the rooftop of his house and started baking with much higher temperature of 1250℃. (From “Nihon Bijyutsu Kougei”, an Art Magazine, 468th Edition, Sept. 1, 1977)
July 1977
The First Mentō Exhibition (Hagitei Gallery, Osaka)
Shapes of Mentō Evolved from Flat to Three-Dimensional
(52 to 53 Years Old)
Characteristics of the Mentō
After traveling to India and Nepal, shapes of the Mentō evolved from flat to three-dimensional.
Surfaces of the Mentō were rough and trial and error still continued in this stage.
Feb. 1978
Travelled to India and Nepal for one month
Nov. 1978
An article on Kuraku was carried in an art and life magazine “Ginka”
Jan. to Aug. 1979
Held exhibitions in various venues in Kansai area, East Japan and Hokkaido. Named the journey and exhibitions “Kuraku-Mentō Caravan”.
Middle Stage (54 to 59 Years Old)
Characteristics of the Mentō
With great enthusiasm and passion, Kuraku held large-scale exhibitions in this stage. The Mentō evolved a lot and they showed great energy and liveliness. The work of this stage were powerful and large in sizes.
Jan. 1981
Kuraku Mentō Exhibition in the New Year (Biwako Hotel Gallery, Otsu)
July 1981
Mentō, the Five Hundred Disciples of Buddha Exhibition (Shiga Prefectural Biwako Cultural Hall, Otsu)
Aug. 1982
Mentō Exhibition in Michigan State, USA (MI. Lancing Arts Council Center)
Sept. 1982
Kuraku’s Mentō and Sumi Paintings Exhibition (Ginka Gallery, Osaka)
Latter Stage (60 to 76 Years Old)
Characteristics of the Mentō
Glaze and baking temperatures were determined. Kuraku’s passion for creating Mentō stayed strong, but he had calmer feelings towards his creation. The Mentō from this stage had sharp but calm or mild expressions and surfaces were smooth.
June 1986
Hazumi Kuraku’s Mentō and Sumi Painting Exhibition (Gallery Koshibikan, Fukui)
July 1987
Joined a Group Exhibition “Katachi Exhibition” (Space EVA, Maebashi City Gallery, Gunma)
Last Stage (77 to 86 Years Old)
Characteristics of the Mentō
As Kuraku’s wife became unwell and he also had some health problems, it became difficult to create
Mentō as much as he wished. While taking care of his wife, Kuraku continued to create one palm-
sized small Mentō everyday. Most of the Mentō from this stage had sorrowful or concerned look and
they were never baked.