TSUKI-GATA

Illustrated is a fine scroll by Oni-Shino potter, Tsukigata Nahiko. Painting in a thinned grey ink wash, the quick and steady tsuki-gata (moon shape) enso shows the remarkable calligraphic skills of the master of clay, fire, ink and oils. Tsukigata had a remarkable way with the brush which is readily seen on his signed boxes but of couse is best manifested on paper and he has left a large body of shoga (ink art) that draws on both Buddhist and everyday aphorism and imagery for inspiration. I have seen a number of staffs (bo) and enso painted in washed out ink tones as well as rich dark black calligraphy, either way, it is easy to see his samurai-like spirit in nearly all the works he has left us.