Illustrated
is a very nice "cong" style Iga vase by legendary potter,
Furutani Michio. With running ash, areas of dark charcoal scorching and a wide
array of other effects, each of the four sides with a distinct and intertwined
landscape tells its own story of a time spent in a brutal and ferocious firing
much like an expressionist folding screen (byobu). Having an appearance of
tremendous age and distinct nobility, this pot like most pieces by Furutani
Michio ties together a tradition that spans back to the last days of Sueki
pottery and permeates through most wood fired pots in both Iga and Shigaraki to
this day. Imbued with purpose, function and a distinct aesthetic it is easy to
see why such pots stand out even today among a diverse and very talented field.
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