Bizen Guinomi

This Bizen Guinomi by Harada Shuroku comes with a career history document dated up to 1997,
suggesting that it was created around that time.

The piece is believed to have been fired in the mid-period of Shuroku’s own kiln operation—
a time when he brought together his deep knowledge of Old Bizen and unmatched technical command.
The resulting work bears a landscape of remarkable depth and power.

At first glance, it resembles a rugged boulder that has tumbled down a mountain path—
a presence that refuses to flatter or compromise, fully immersing the viewer in the overwhelming world of Shuroku.

This piece features his signature shinogi technique, where thickly thrown clay is carved down with a wooden spatula.
However, the gouges are less like controlled cuts and more like bold, slashing strikes—aggressive and visceral.

Traces of contact marks from other pieces remain across the surface,
giving the impression of a hardened warrior from the Warring States era.
As you gaze at its scarred, wild exterior, you can almost hear the artist's declaration:
“Let it break if it must—the kiln is a battlefield.”

The boldly attached foot—another Shuroku hallmark—is striking in both form and presence.
Towering like high wooden clogs, the foot gives the Guinomi an almost unshakeable dignity,
transcending the scale of a mere sake cup.

He was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1941.
He became a potter in 1969.
He became a disciple of Matasaburo Katsura in 1975 and studied Old Bizen.
He died in 2024.