CLAY, WAX & IRON

Illustrated is a rather large and well decorated Mashiko tsubo which is well over a foot tall and impressive in person. This robust jar has vivid areas of tessha floating around the surface which enhances the evocative wax resist floral design surrounding the pot, a blend of clay, wax and iron. Made by Kimura Mitsuru, son-in-law of Kimura Ichiro, this tsubo shows the clear influences of father, his master Hamada Shoji and the feel of pottery that has collectively become known as Mashiko-yaki. The decoration is fluid and almost lyrically arranged around the pot like a studied presentation of a waka poem where image replaces writing but conveys the same sense of narrative. The timeless quality of the form and surface is an excellent representation of Mashiko ideals that have almost become codified by Hamada Shoji, Sakuma Totaro, Murata Gen, Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Tamura Koichi  and Kimura Ichiro, all leaving behind excellent interpretations of what it means to be Mashiko ware while presenting a phenomenal base for all those who come after them to learn from, strive to and move beyond.

"The benevolent fragrance permeates all things;
Can it be that each blossom is the reincarnation of the Buddha?"  Daishin Gito (1657-1730)