Banyan Tree ( native to Okinawa ) vessel
The pottery of Samsung Miyagi and family
When I first glanced at the pottery of Samsung (Mitsunari ) Miyagi from Okinawa in Japan, I felt his works emanated a vibrancy and clarity which is usually indicative of a positive Chi. He comes from a family of potters and the other family members also produced pieces of a similar quality. Then I recollected how the Okinawan’s have the distinction of having the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. Around 97% of the residents of Okinawa live their life without suffering any physical ailments.
Having an interest in Eastern medicine and having considered the unique Okinawan longevity, I thought I might briefly mention some of the factors that caught my attention. Diet wise, they consume around seven different vegetables in a meal, and they favor sweet potatoes and bitter melons. They never eat till they feel full, but stop at about 75% capacity. Before they eat they toast with the words – ‘hara hachi bu’ -which basically means – ‘overeating : not a very good idea’ . This reflects their cultural belief in balance and moderation. They subsist on around 1200 calories per day ( average in the West is 3600 ) They only indulge in a minimal consumption of meat and favor fish and tofu for proteins, along with seaweeds, miso and rice.
The Okinawan’s believe they are teenagers up to the age of 50, which is probably the most distinctive quality in their mindset compared to the West. A powerful affirmation of youth in that belief ! They remain high spirited into their 100’s and they drink more tea then water, preferring high quality green tea and kohencha tea.
I’m tempted to purchase one of their pieces just to be reminded of the life affirming Chi they so successfully cultivate.
Samsung Miyagi :
Futamono – Samsung Miyagi
Square bottle
Ocotpus ceramic vessel – Samsung Miyagi
Porcelain Cup – arabesque pattern – Samsung Miyagi
Carved green vase
Samsung Miyagi vase
Vessel with finger impressions
Surface carved vase
Okinawa Kiln
Cup with arabesque design – Samsung Miyagi
Large Vase Floral Design
Long neck ceramic bottle – Samsung Miyagi
Hibiscus design teapot – Samsung Miyagi
Samsung Miyagi Ceramic bottle with fish motif
Octopus Tokkuri ( Sake pouring vessel )
Hibiscus Plate – Samsung Miyagi
Samsung Miyagi Okinawa pottery
Samsung Miyagi Okinawa pottery – Tall Vase 35cm
Samsung Miyagi Okinawa pot
Green glaze bottle – Samsung Miyagi
Engraved Vase 30cm height – Samsung Miyagi
Samsung Miyagi vessels Waiting to be fired
Crab motif vase – Samsung Miyagi
Teapot – Samsung Miyagi
Hand painted Bamboo design – Samsung Miyagi
Green Mitsunari Saki bottle by Samsung Miyagi
Japan fish design plate – Samsung Miyagi
Large square platter – Gajimaru trees
Large Vase – Samsung Miyagi
Samsung Miyagi ceramic shop, Okinawa Japan
Censer incense vessel – Samsung Miyagi
Samsung Miyagi green glaze ceramic bottle
Jade green bottle – Samsung Miyagi
Ceramic bottle – Satoshi Miyagi ( father of Samsung Miyagi )
Dobuzuke – Satoshi Miyagi
Large carved ceramic vessel – Satoshi Miyagi
Dachibin – Sumiko Miyagi ( mother of Samsung Miyagi )
Kinjo Toshio – ( Uncle of Samsung Miyagi )
Fish and shrimp carved design bottle – Jiro Kinjo ( grandfather of Samsung Miyagi )
Satoshi Miyagi