Having
the form and posture of a well worn wooden mallet, this Shino pot is by veteran
Mino potter, Yamada Seiji. The form is classic and well conceived with the
flaring outward base and the same in reverse for the neck of the pot. The glaze,
which I refer to as Seiji-Shino is wonderful with rich tones of reddish orange
punctuate the form from top to bottom and the texture created by varying
thickness of glaze with cells, fissures and pocks creating a distant and somewhat alien landscape. Though many potters
make and use Shino and many of their glazes look similar, there is a uniqueness
to Yamada's glaze, a blend of the shiny and muted within the feldspar surface
and textures that are recognizable as his work. The real beauty of the pots of
Yamada Seiji is his ability to make simple pots crafted with careful details
and beautiful glazes that have a great deal to say when filled with tea,
flowers and food.
"Good
Vases have free style shapes. They also make flowers much more beautiful and
lively. Every time you arrange flowers with them, you can get new
excitement." A quote from THE BEAUTY OF SHINO by Yamada Seiji
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