I
took this photo a week or so ago and was struck by not only the overall image
but the completeness of the pot in use. The vase is by the late anagama master Furutani
Michio and is the largest of this type of kakugata kake-ire that I have seen,
measuring in at over 17" long and comes from one of the larger collections
of Furutani pieces that I know of at over two dozen pieces. As can be seen in the
photo, the vase was carefully fired on it side creating a face that clearly shows
the scars and position of the piece in the kiln while the other angle of the
face shows a coating of ash running toward the ridge that divides the front of
the pot. The back of the piece is covered with rich glass creating a wonderful
landscape that moves around the pot like a feudal emakimono. The use of vibrant
red chrysanthemum bring the vase to completion and create a stunning
counterpoint to the rustic and worn appearance of the pot. I am in constant awe
of the beauty, serenity and nobility of the pots of Furutani Michio who as a
modern potter was able to infuse his pottery with the essence of what it is to
be Shigaraki or Iga while pursuing a singular personal voice that can be heard
in his clay sometimes loud and clear and at other times a simple, subtle
whisper.
"Truth
exists for the wise, beauty for the feeling heart." Johann von Schiller
(1759-1805)
(Used
with the kind permission of a private collector.)
.JPG)