Illustrated is a chawan that belongs to a friend
which I refer to as O-Ju-Wan, the big Ju bowl. This chawan was made by Shimizu
Uichi (1926-2004) and is a Horai style bowl glazed in a rich black iron glaze
with a frothy white laid over and then the kanji for Ju carved or inscribed
into the surface. Working in his nobori-gama, Horai-yu, Shimizu created a
wide variety of rich iron glazes from deep black iron saturated ones to
celestial appearing kannyu celadon style seiji glazes with deep crazing
creating worlds within their surfaces. This particular bowl has a lovely form
with the Ju kanji dominating the face of the bowl intended to bring
felicitations and longevity to both user and viewer. The playful interplay of
glaze textures, inscribed decoration and clay body cloak the full round form of
a generous and sturdy chawan well at home in hand or commanding a space as a
reminder of the intent of both potter and pot; enjoy.
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