What
is a gem? The dictionary describes it as follows; 1) a precious or sometimes
semi-precious stone cut and polished for ornament 2) something prized
especially for great beauty or perfection (excellence) 3) a highly prized or
well-beloved person. Can this term, gem really be used as an adequate
description of a pot, well I certainly think so but I am admittedly biased. The
illustrated piece is in my book a textbook gem, it is a chaire by Tsukigata
Nahiko that used to belong to a friend of mine. Though many may consider it
Oni-Shino, I would classify it as Ko-Shino where the thin Shino is infused with
ash and the shoulder has areas of rich brown textured and the runs are glassy,
ending in bidoro. It is a dramatic and poetic pot that is housed in a tea
masters signed box with three compartments for the three luxuriant shifuku
accompanying the package. Though I am sure what comes to mind for most when
speaking about gems is diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, this is what I
think about when someone mentions gems around me.
"There
are little gems all around us that can hold glimmers of inspiration." R. Mead
.JPG)