Illustrated is an ink painting of a lugged Iga
vase with a small tree branch and calligraphy by noted veteran and "old
school" potter; Konishi Heinai II (b.1928). I have written about Konishi
before who is well known for his passionate dedication to creating both Raku
and Iga pottery, both of which he pursues in a decidedly old style of creation.
Melding together older Momoyama and early Edo sensibilities with his personal
interpretation of those traditions, his works are exceptionally unique to his
own voice and vision. This small format shikishi shows the same individuality
as his pottery with crisp and simple brushwork and his brusque style of
calligraphy which adorn his boxes as hako-gaki. It is this uniqueness and
simplicity of this painting and indeed his pottery that makes Konishi Heinai II
so admirable in an age when many have given up on traditional aesthetics and
the creation of simple, beautiful pottery.
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