Though firmly rooted in the year of the horse,
this wonderful rabbit okimono is worth a look none the less. The rabbit is
ever-present in Japanese art as the lunar hare and a number of other depictions
and according to the zodiac, one major characteristic of those born in the year
of the rabbit is creativity. Made by Sodeisha co-founder and exceptionally
creative ceramic artist, Suzuki Osamu (1926-2001), this pale blue seihakuji
rabbit is one of a number of zodiac influenced pieces he made sometime after
1969. Though best known for his powerful, abstracted sculptural works, Suzuki
left a large number of smaller and very intimate ceramic works which have
little to do with function in the strictest sense, though objects of playfulness,
enjoyment and contemplation are function enough. This particular piece is
patterned after usagi-ningyo dolls that can be found in and around Kyoto, some
with drawstring interiors filled with flagrant incense. Made in multiples, these
were simple in design, execution and glazing and flawlessly capture a sense of
whimsy and spirit of the ubiquitous Japanese rabbit.
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