OLD IS NEW

As I look at this vase, the stocky, purposeful form reminds me of many of the older kinuta forms of the late Edo period but with a few modern additions. Created by Iga potter, Imura Mitsuo, this particular mallet vase has just the right amount of taper to the shoulder and then from the neck base to the mouth to interest the eye and get one interested in the form. When the depressed shoulder region is added together with the very nice firing, the pot is brought to life, animated and complete as a functional and aesthetic piece. The wonderful waterfall of ash effect paints the face of the pot, essentially orienting its display but also adding a sense of the vertical to an otherwise compact and sturdy form, lastly as you add in various surface texture, the "crumbly" effects around the shoulder and mouth and this Iga vase has all the bells and whistles it needs to entertain the viewer. It is a simple wood fired pot at its core but when you give it the time, stop, look and listen it is clear that Imura made a pot that skillfully balance form, function and his art to the best possible affect.