Hello everyone. How are you all doing?
The mountains in the neighborhood have turned quite vibrant with autumn colors, taking on, quite literally, a golden-yellow hue.
Now, today I am here to announce a small project exclusive to this blog.
As fate would have it, our shop has currently gathered a large number of houhin (tea pots) and incense burners.
I have decided to introduce one of these pieces each day on this blog.
Although small, houhin and incense burners are pieces that require an immense amount of time and effort,
demanding great dedication and a significant amount of time to complete.
In a sense, it would likely be "faster" to make a hundred or two hundred sake cups or teacups.
However, perhaps that only goes to prove the high level of "density" these works possess as pieces of art.
Of course, I am not implying that less effort is put into sake cups or teacups, or that they are easy to make.
But since these pieces inevitably require more time to craft, it is a fact that the artist spends more time deeply engaged with them.
Like a rich, dense brandy steeped in the barrel of the artist.
That is the honest image I have of my houhin and incense burners.
When I imagine Bizen ware, the most intuitive impression that comes to mind is one related to cooking or food and drink.
If you spend too much or too little time, it won't work; it is aimed at that uncertain yet universally shared feeling of something being "delicious" (or beautiful).
Various techniques have been established, and secret methods have been passed down through generations.
To put it more simply, perhaps the act of firing itself reminds me of cooking.
Like a rich, mellow brandy, an elegant and fragrant standout, or a sophisticated supporting role with a distinct astringency.
I hope to introduce them with this image in mind, so I look forward to your interest.
The project will begin on the 22nd of next week, and I plan to introduce one piece per day in the form of blog posts.
I sincerely hope you will all take a look.
