Illustrated
is a classic, medieval style uzukumaru vase by Tani Seiuemon. Though not very
large in scale, it has something that gives it a larger than life appearance.
The form is simple and the ash has nestled and run gracefully off the shoulder
creating its own unique landscape while the carefully crafted mouth of the pot
offers an invitation for use, a labor of love. I have long been a fan of the
work of Tani-san and have seen hundreds of his pots over the years, most are
striped of the superfluous and each piece seems to be created in a bare-bones
style in which he relies on the kiln to finish dressing each pot. There is
something elemental and comforting about the workman style pots of the
countless potters who make pots simply to be used and enjoyed without ego or
accolades and this is also what made many of the great pots of the Momoyama
era.
"A
man's best friend are his ten fingers."
Robert Collyer (1823-1912)
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