The other day, while I was discussing pottery with a regular customer, the subject of the late Satoru Masamune came up.
The customer told me how they had commissioned Mr. Masamune to create a sake cup during his lifetime, and was kind enough to let me see the magnificent piece they had been gifted.
I asked if I might have the pleasure of seeing it, and they brought it in for me to view at a later date.
With my heart full of anticipation, I watched as they took it out of the box; the work was even more spectacular than I had imagined.
I understand this piece dates from his "Satoru" period; it is a luxurious item, rich in expression from every angle, featuring a powerful foot trimmed in a cross pattern, wonderful kiln-altered scenery, and even beautiful kiln-alterations within the interior.
They also brought along another sake cup, which they had purchased from our shop during his later years.
This is a piece from his "Tokou" period, an interesting sake cup with a gentle form reminiscent of a Raku tea bowl and firing that has resulted in partial black coloring.
It reminds me of how, shortly before he passed away, Mr. Masamune happily told me, "I've gotten my hands on some excellent clay!"
That clay turns black when fired, and it is the same clay used for this piece as well.
I once heard from Mr. Yoyu Matsui that when Mr. Masamune was his student at a ceramics center, he had already displayed exceptional talent even back then.
He was a master who represented Bizen pottery, and it is truly a great tragedy that he left this world so young.
I find myself wondering what kind of works he might have shown us had he lived today, but I was simply delighted to encounter his magnificent artistry once again.