Illustrated is mizusashi
made by Shigaraki pioneer, Kohyama Yasuhisa in 1973 (Showa 48). Every potter
has a body of work that has a definite beginning, even ones who have gone
beyond the strictest sense of function to work in the realm of
"objects"*. This particular
subtly faceted mizusashi was made for a 1973 exhibit and is illustrated in the
exhibition catalog. Having been the first potter to build an anagama in
Shigaraki valley since the middle ages, Kohyama immediately began to focus in
on Sueki style firing and showcasing the natural essence of the clay with
colorful hi-iro effects. The form is thrown and manipulated to have a slight
bend to the center and carved take on the ubiquitous bamboo form (take-gata) so
popular in Japanese art.
Though made early on in
his carrer, this pot shows many of the attributes Kohyama is so well known for.
The pot allows the clay to speak with a flashed hi-iro and a dusting of ash on
the rim and lid. The faceting, though very subtle, is a certain trademark of
most of his works and the ability to create a form devoid of all but the essential
elements is a feature that makes his works stand out from the crowd and
invariable weather the storms of trend and time.
(* Objects are how
Kohyama-san refers to his more sculptural works, from small to large)
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