Hello everyone, how are you doing?
Today, I would like to provide an explanation of our Karatsu series.
Rather than applying glaze to Bizen clay, this project is based on the story of inviting Karatsu potters to Bizen,
where Mr. Morimoto translated the charm of the Old Karatsu he so admires into the Bizen medium.
Adopting the Karatsu production style, he created a large number of forms to select from,
and further winnowed them down after firing—employing a process that prioritizes rigorous selection through volume.
This method aims to achieve a perfect balance of clay, firing, and technique without the pieces feeling forced or contrived.
As wares for everyday people rather than tea ceremony ceramics, they possess a plain, rustic, and refined character that is easy to relate to,
yet they contain striking landscapes that stir the *wabi-sabi* spirit, making them truly exceptional pieces.
It is a depth of character that feels true to both Bizen and Karatsu, both long loved as wares for the common people.
Through rigorous selection, the form, the carving, and the quality of the clay create a magnificent expression.
The subtly luminous, shiso-leaf colored clay is rich and mellow,
complemented by carving that beautifully highlights the texture of the earth.
Thanks to this production style, the piece feels completely natural despite its stunning beauty,
and it is curious how it seems to blend into its surroundings when set down.
The thick, viscous "sesame" glaze of this Ibe-te piece is wonderful, reminiscent of flowing glaze.
It is an homage to a highly popular Old Karatsu katakuchi pouring vessel,
with meticulous attention paid to details such as the shaping of the spout.
It evokes a story of potters from Karatsu struggling through trial and error to recreate Madara-Karatsu.
This sake cup is also modeled after a popular Karatsu design.
Like Bizen ware from the Muromachi period, the coil-building joints remain visible,
evoking an image of a bustling, high-paced workshop of busy potters.
The foot is also cleverly crafted, recreating the distinctive *chirimen-jiwa* (crepe-like wrinkles).
Karatsu Series
・Bizen Katakuchi (Pouring Vessel)
・Ibe Katakuchi (Pouring Vessel)