There is just something
evocative and timeless about Ki-Seto pottery. I am a big fan, though like most
pottery styles, there are very few who have mastered the style and tradition.
The finest Ki-Seto was arguably made by Arakawa Toyozo and in his hands, many
of these pots have that quintessential Momoyama aire about them. The
illustrated chawan is by Hori Ichiro, who creates exceptionally fine Ki-Seto
pots, following in Arakawa's footsteps, as taught by his master, Kato Kozo.The
form is directly related to Arakawa and Hori's use of exceptional materials and
wood firing his pottery, just adds to the mystique and presence of his pots.
One of the true attributes of Ki-Seto is that when used well, unlike other,
heavy glazes, it still allows the clay to speak and the ability to see through
the glaze and view each mark and line adds to the conversation from pot to
viewer. The effort, energy and dedication of Hori to his work, is written in
each and every pot.
"The mode by which
the inevitable comes to pass is effort."
Oliver
Wendell Holmes (1809-1994)
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