Illustrated
is a mizusashi based on a "bucket" or "pail" archetype that
finds their origins in Shigaraki in the 17th and 18th century. Over 80% of the
surface is covered in ash, part in an opaque ash and the rest in a sheer coat
of glass with the lid gallery having a ring of thick, rich green bidoro running
around the entire pot. The lid, is carved out of blond cypress by the potter to finish off the
piece and create a wonderful contrast between pot and lid. To my eye, there is something very inviting
about the simplicity of the piece and the rhythm captured in the clay.
Made
by veteran potter Kon Chiharu (b. 1951), this is one of those quiet Shigaraki pots
that is both classic and timeless. Kon
lives, works and teaches in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. He studied under
the legendary Tsuji Seimei(1927-2008). Besides leaving behind a diverse and
great body of work, Tsuji Seimei made Shigaraki pottery outside of the
traditional center of that style of pottery, rather he lived and worked in Tokyo.
Tsuji is one of the pioneers that made it quite acceptable to work within a
tradition without the geographical ties seen previously. After finishing his apprenticeship, Kon moved
back to Niigata where he built his studio and anagama with the intention of pursuing
the Shigaraki tradition in what is typically known as "snow-country".
Besides making Shigaraki pottery, Kon also makes a wide variety of glazed wares
of which I am particularly fond of his Oribe and Kohiki works. As I have
pointed out in another post, though he doesn't work in Shigaraki proper, his
works are the only evidence you need to see, Kon Chiharu is a modern day
Shigaraki potter.
(Illustration
used with the permission of a private collector)
.JPG)