If I close my eyes and think about what the quintessential Hagi
chawan would look like, there are several bowls that come to mind. It would
have a broad and pleasant form, lots of glaze variations, tones of pinks and
lavender, gritty daido clay and a strong and proud foot, not at all unlike the
chawan illustrated. Made by Miwa Kyuwa in the mid-1970's, this chawan has all
the features that make Hagi-yaki so wonderful and desirable. Named MIYAMA,
"beautiful mountain" by Sokuchusai (Mujin Sosa 1901-1979), its name
captures the powerful, somber and majestic nature of this bowl. Miwa Kyuwa, one
of the finest Hagi potters of the 20th century, created this bowl which epitomizes a classic
tradition and though an aesthetic tour de force, his goal was to create
function before beauty. Due to his exceptional skill and eye, he was able to do
both without compromising either.
(Photo used with the kind permission of a collector.)
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