2020 Volume 41 Pages 111-126
In this paper, the researcher analyzes and considers the views and conceptions of clay modeling education held by Sozo Kurahashi based on his essay “Clay Modeling: The Life of a Child (2)” and related publications. As a result, it is clear that criticism of the craftsmanship and work-oriented “techniques” at the time is the basis of these views, based on Kurahashi’s position on early childhood education centered on infants’ daily activities. The concept of “clay modeling,” which expresses Kurahashi’s views on this area of education, includes his perspective on “art education” (“children’s art”) in addition to promoting child-centered modeling activities. This is highlighted by the terms “primitive artist” and “form making” in the text. These two points can be regarded as the main characteristics of Kurahashi’s views on clay modeling education and are exemplary of their progressiveness, which is thought to have been influenced by his keen sensitivity to new trends in the art world.
