[Hanging Scroll] Kumano Rock-Carved Buddha

Artist/Satosanjin

Tetsushi Yano

Capturing the Rustic Beauty: Warmth and Simplicity from the Heart of the Mountains

Tobe Town, located in Ehime Prefecture, has been a center of pottery for over 250 years. Originally known for its whetstone production, the town’s pottery tradition emerged from repurposing these stones. Small kilns are scattered throughout Tobe, where craftsmen continue this rich heritage. Among them is Yano Tetsushi, also known as Satosanjin, who runs the gallery Musee Satoyamabou, creating unique pottery that reflects the warmth of the mountains.

Yano’s artistic journey began with oil painting, having studied it at university. He started his career as a Western-style painter, later becoming a high school art teacher and museum curator. His extensive travels through European museums deeply influenced his work, and he became involved in community development projects.

Thirty years ago, Yano was drawn to the simple beauty of Tobe’s landscape. This connection to nature led him to start creating watercolor paintings and pottery. Suiboku-ga, a traditional Japanese art form, involves painting with ink and pigments on washi paper. Yano’s works capture the serene spirit of the mountains and the gentle warmth of the countryside.

Thirty years ago, He came across the town of Tobe and was captivated by its simple scenery, so I switched from Western-style painting to ink painting and pottery production. In ink painting, the scenery is drawn on Japanese paper with light and dark ink, and then colored with paint, creating a soft touch.

The beauty of Tobe’s nature is reflected in Yano’s creations. Spring brings cherry blossoms and wild grapes, early summer sees hydrangeas and dokudami, autumn features balloon vines, and winter is marked by camellias. These seasonal flowers and landscapes inspire his work, embodying the essence of Tobe in every piece

Yano’s pottery is characterized by Tobe’s distinctive, robust clay, hand-painted in indigo. He describes the clay as having “a warmth and gentleness that conveys the handmade touch.” The simple blue-and-white landscapes he paints on white porcelain evoke a nostalgic feeling, resulting in pieces that are both warm and timeless.