Illustrated
is a simple en-yu salt fired chawan by Tokoname potter; Ito Yushi (b.1945). The
form appears to be a blend of both the Korean archetype and a typical Japanese
chawan with a wonderful surface created by using a kohiki style slip before the
piece was salt fired. During the process several serene gohonde style spots
were created and are surrounded by a patch of rich pink blushing which defines
the face of the bowl. The crackled slip texture and distinct finger mark help distinguish
the kodai from the bowl form and adds a bit more intrigue to the bowl. Ito
Yushi is a rather adventurous Tokoname potter having studied with both Hineno
Sakuzo and Tomimoto Goro, he has been very involved with the study of Korean
pottery and has visited and exhibited in S. Korean a number of times. This chawan
clearly shows a touch of that Korean sensibility while clearly stating its
place of origin.
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