Renowned Japanese ceramic artist Masanobu Ando is among the most followed potters in the Chinese-speaking world. He earns his living through pottery, advocating for the beauty of everyday use and dedicated to creating everyday objects that interact and resonate with people and their lives. His interests span across tea ceremony, Buddhism, art, music, and design.
His works are guided by the principle of "beauty in everyday use," emphasizing the combination of practicality and aesthetics. Masanobu Ando opposes the idea that crafts should only be viewed as art pieces. He believes that even everyday items, such as soap dishes or tea sets, should be both beautiful and functional. He contends that Japan maintains a strong distinction between objects, where the same item can be defined as an artwork or a life tool depending on its use, a concept he finds challengeable.
Furthermore, Masanobu Ando also focuses on the legacy of literati humanism, believing that teapots and other simple life tools encapsulate rich philosophy and the tastes of the literati. He has analyzed the characteristics of literati humanism, including aloofness, diverse interests, and an anti-authoritarian attitude. He thinks that Japanese culture is profoundly influenced by Chinese culture and hopes to reexamine and integrate the aesthetics of modern Japan through his creations.
Masanobu Ando is an artist who combines traditional Eastern aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, reflecting a deep understanding and respect for the beauty in everyday life through his works and philosophy.