Jan Kollwitz is among today’s most outstanding ceramic artists. For more than three decades this great-grandson of Käthe Kollwitz has been creating expressive ceramic vessels using traditional Japanese techniques – off the beaten track from artistic fashions and trends.

During his education in Japan he succeeded in persuading master kiln builder Watanabe Tatsuo to construct an original Anagama kiln for his workshop in the monastic village of Cismar in eastern Holstein. The smoke, flames and embers of the wood fire in this kiln draw lively colours on the surfaces of the vessels, and the flue ash gives them a resplendent lustre.

Three years ago Jan Kollwitz last visited the Käthe Kollwitz Museum in Cologne. We are delighted to present this new show which will tie in with his visit. In August 2021 the artist will present more than 80 individual objects from his latest creations produced in the Japanese kiln – ranging from delicate bowls for the tea ceremony to sturdy floor vases.