Trompe-l'œil vase “CAN” – Taro Kawamoto (born in 1955)

This sculptural vase by Taro Kawamoto takes the form of an open tin can , confirmed by the inscription "CAN" on the original tomobako . The artist transforms an ordinary industrial object into a volume of Japanese ceramic with a dense presence, conceived as both an autonomous sculpture and a container.

The silhouette unfolds vertically in an angular, slightly twisted construction, with an oblique base that stabilizes the whole while maintaining visual tension. The surface treatment, in a range of muted browns and ochres, evokes a material worn by time, with deliberate striations, scratches, and irregularities. The upper opening, conceived as a raised lid, creates an expressive asymmetry and reveals a dark interior that accentuates the contrast between the apparent fragility of the repurposed object and the permanence of the terracotta.

This work belongs to a contemporary tradition where trompe-l'œil is not simply an exercise in illusion, but a reflection on the form and plastic value of everyday objects. Kawamoto does not seek perfect hyperrealism: he emphasizes gesture, density, and the presence of the material, in a language akin to sculpture.

Biography of Taro Kawamoto

Born in 1955, Taro Kawamoto belongs to a prominent lineage of Seto ceramics , from one of the great historical centers of pottery in Japan. He is the son of Kawamoto Gorō (1919–1986) , a major figure of the 20th century, recognized for having contributed to the renewal of Japanese ceramics as a field of artistic expression.

While working within this tradition, Taro Kawamoto has developed a personal practice focused on free-form works, including objects, wall compositions, and large-scale projects. His work is distinguished by a rigorous construction of volumes, a constant attention to surfaces, and a strong physical presence, where ceramics engage directly with the vocabulary of sculpture.

Tomobako

Work preserved in its original tomobako , bearing the inscription "CAN" .

Dimensions

Height: 38 cm. Width: 29 cm. Depth: 9 cm.