Hello everyone, how are you doing?
We are now in the middle of November, and there is not much of the year left.
The temperature has dropped significantly, and we have started preparing for winter here as well.
From now until the end of the year, it will be easier to fire the kilns, so I expect a series of kiln openings.
We have been introducing new arrivals on our website as they become available,
but today I would like to introduce a recommended tea utensil from Koichiro-sensei’s latest kiln opening.
Koichiro-sensei is known for creating pottery based on his own unique philosophy, unfettered by preconceptions,
and I believe this tea utensil is a piece that expresses that philosophy exceptionally well.
Generally speaking, tea utensils tend to follow traditional designs,
and they seem to be a core component within the vast and mature culture of Sado (the Way of Tea).
Yet, in creating and expressing such utensils, I feel a simple and strong emotion—a personal desire of his:
“I want to make things like this, and I want to use them.”
Seeing this work made me feel as if I were returning to the very origin of the joy of pottery.
This time, it has been designed with "ears," which, combined with the overall form, make it look just like a young owl.
Watching it in the palm of your hand, it looks as if the owl is sleeping.
Without extreme trimming or decoration, the entire impression is completely transformed with minimal workmanship.
A round lidded vessel changes its character in an instant with just these small ears.
This piece uses coarse clay, with sand grains scattered across the surface, giving it a sparkling appearance.
Due to the coarse clay, the *hi-dasuki* (fire-cord) markings have also shifted to a pale orange hue.
The lid fits snugly, and the ears make it easy to remove.
(Koichiro Isezaki / New Bizen Tea Utensil, with Signed Box)
size: diameter 7.8cm × diameter 7.8cm × height 8.6cm price: Sold
Please inquire below for detailed images or information about the work.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email to Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Click to open email window)