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​​​​​Ten years ago on a trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet a venerable elder, Keiko Nakamura, in Kyoto. Born in 1923, she trained as a ceramist from a very young age and at that time, at 92 years old, she continued to produce sublime pieces, due to their simplicity, balance and beauty. Keiko spoke about her work with fascination and described imperfection as a desired event, due to its ability to provide uniqueness and personality to the pieces.

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We spoke in French, since she learned it during the war so she could read Madame Bovary in the original. She mentioned Tanizaki, whom she met when she was young, "You have to read his stories to know my country better." I remembered that in one of them, a character collects lacquered wooden bowls for miso soup, like someone who collects mirrors, because when you look inside, you see yourself reflected as if it were one.

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We talk about the contrasts between Western and Eastern culture, in great concepts and in everyday life. About mirrors she told me something very nice: «Traditionally, since ancient times, here in Japan, the reflection in a mirror was considered to be a representation of the soul or spirit. Carefully observing this image allowed for deep introspection and a better understanding of oneself…”

 

Keiko passed away last fall, after 101 years dedicated to reflection and beauty.

This collection of “mirrors” is the result of those conversations and the enormous admiration for this woman,

“Les miroirs de Keiko Nakamura” is a tribute to her person.

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