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Exploring Japanese AestheticsFujiwara Kazu Ishide KazuhiroDialogue:A house that inspires you to adorn it with Bizen wareWhile I cannot remember since exactly when, I have long held the desire to design houses perfect for decorating with Bizen ware.Ever since this thought took place deep inside my heart, I have always been conscious of Bizen ware when designing a house. I first encountered Bizen ware more than 30 years ago when I had just started out as an architect.The artist’s name was Ken Fujiwara. When I was given this Bizen ware, due to my lack of knowledge I was not aware of his name. Later on I was greatly astounded and humbled to find out that he was an extremely gifted potter and the nephew of the potter and Living National Treasure, Kei Fujiwara. As I grew older, I became increasingly attracted to Bizen ware. So much so that a Bizen ware pot with a wide mouth appeared in my dreams from time to time. Why this fascination with Bizen ware? Perhaps the reason can be found through its characteristics. Bizen ware features no pictorial design, pattern or glaze. Clay that has been let to stand for a long duration is kneaded and fired in a kiln. The painstakingly created Bizen ware items are simple and infinitely close to nature, and are full of dignity which is given off only by authentic works. Moreover, their charms are enhanced as the items grow older. Bizen ware has something in common with what I am aiming to create — “houses with charms that further enhance with time” and “houses with designs so loved that they become to be regarded as antiques.” Perhaps this commonality is the reason why I am so drawn to Bizen ware.Recently I had the opportunity to meet Kazu Fujiwara, a potter from the Fujiwara family. We had a lively discussion about pottery and architecture.091