QISMAH

When it comes to firing the results you achieve can sometimes be distilled down to where the pot was placed and in regards to a wood, salt or soda kiln that is certainly the case. This compact and well fired chawan is an excellent example of being in the perfect spot of a wood fired salt kiln, the results are literally painted across the face, back and interior of the bowl which processes a distinctly defiant tone having made it through the ferocity of the firing. If you look carefully you can see some of the impressed mishima texture peaking out from behind the ash and salt surface identifying Ningen Kokuho, Shimaoka Tatsuzo as the maker. The bowl is a compact form that easily rests comfortably in the hand and rests on a simple yet effective foot with an eroded indent in the ring caused by the wad sinking into the clay during the tremendous fury of the firing. Shimaoka fired a number of his tea pieces and other pieces of merit in highly desirable spots in the kiln to give them every advantage for a painted by fire surface and in this case it is just another example of being in the right place at the right time.