In discussing Oribe, many
times I think of it as the glazed distant brethren of Iga and Shigaraki ware.
In Iga/Shigaraki, though the pot may have a wide array of natural glaze effects
from the firing, the clay and basics of the form are on full display. Oribe has the same
distinct quality about it, it has a similar richness and a propensity to run
yet the clay underneath the glaze is there to see and enjoy. Each mark of the
potter is crisply frozen and safely protected by the barrier of the glaze.
Hayashi Shotaro is yet another wonderful Mino potter who creates unique, bold
and inspired Oribe pottery. Over the years, first under the tutelage of his
brother Hayashi Kotaro, Shotaro has developed a broad vocabulary or forms and
clay textures which make full use of the various glazes he uses, especially his
Oribe. The direct and aggressive manner in which Hayashi dealt with the clay of
this Oribe o-sara is laid bare, except for a layer of his rich glaze that pools
and accentuates every mark, depression and the textures that has created this
highly gestural piece. This is both modern Oribe and Hayashi Shotaro at its
best.
.JPG)