Dango

In Japanese, the word “dango” describes a type of dumpling. Kaneko applies this word to his rounded, hand-built, glazed ceramic work. With its voluminous top that softly tapers toward the base, this dango is suggestive of a vase. Unlike a vase, however, it is closed on top. Kaneko treats his ceramic creations as canvasses on which to paint. Here, the dango’s gentle contours and cream-colored glaze contrast with an angular, dark blue-colored mark at the center of the piece. The painterly mark softens as it approaches the base of the sculpture and is evocative of a gapping mouth on an otherwise featureless head. Kaneko works with a team of people to create these works, and he makes use of a massive kiln for firing.