JUST ROUTINE

The illustrated kohiki mizusashi is a picture I have had on the hard drive for some time now. I don't have much info on the potter, Tamura Hamao but what I can say is that I really enjoy how the piece was made, slipped and glazed. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this is one of the most casual, non-chalant and honest pieces I have seen in some time. Please bare in mind that I am making observations from over a dozen photos (none of them mine) and it appears like Tamura threw this mizusashi like he presumably had many dozens before, quickly faceted the surface and once green, dipped it in a fine slip before it was bisque and glazed, in other words, the pot was made purposefully from an experienced routine with little thought given to the process beyond muscle memory. The mizusashi is the epitome of simplicity of form and exectution but the uneven facets, random iron spotting, active slip and mellow clear glaze create a pot that is filled with subtle nuances, complex and hidden gems, making the whole so much more than what the description of the pot and process whould indicate. I really enjoy pots like this but it is hard not to like and not for the lack of the potter trying, doing just what he does, day in and day out.