“Do not mistake it for a beggar in straw mats; it is a winter peony, blooming in the cold."

This poem perfectly captures the spirit of Wabi-sabi. At first glance, the flower is covered in rough straw mats to protect it from the snow, looking like a beggar in rags. However, inside is a noble peony. It teaches us that true beauty is often hidden beneath a humble or weathered exterior.

Returning to the Momoyama Era
Sadamitsu Sugimoto (ordained as "Genkaku" in 2014 by Taigan Kobori, Chief Abbot of Kennin-ji Temple) has spent his life in the mountains of Shigaraki, perfecting the art of ceramics. His artistic journey took a definitive turn under the mentorship of Zen masterTachibana Daiki Roshi of Daitoku-ji Temple, who gave him a profound mission: "Return to the Momoyama Era."

Fueki Ryuko
Constancy and Change
Inspired by the haiku poet Matsuo Basho’s concept of Fueki Ryuko (The Eternal and the Flowing), Sugimoto interprets the "Wabi-Sabi" spirit as the

Fueki—the unchanging essence. At the same time, he views the diverse artistic expressions of great masters like Sen no Rikyu, Furuta Oribe, and Hon'ami Koetsu as Ryuko—the ever-evolving styles.

• Sen no Rikyu: The beauty of function and simplicity.

• Furuta Oribe: The beauty of movement and dynamism.

• Hon'ami Koetsu: The beauty found within nature.

Sugimoto strives to integrate these legendary perspectives while forging his own unique "Ryuko" through his pottery and Zen paintings.

[A Modern Call for Wabi-Sabi] In today’s complex and chaotic world, Sugimoto believes the spirit of Wabi-Sabi is more essential than ever. His work is not merely about preserving tradition; it is a spiritual endeavor to express the profound harmony between nature and the human soul. From his intense Shigaraki and Raku-ware tea bowls to his evocative Zen ink scrolls, every piece is an invitation to experience the depth of Japanese spiritual culture.