As a potter, I am constantly
reminded that ceramic history in the US is rather short compared to a country
like Greece, the Mid-East, China or Japan. Though I have not had to go it alone
in my studies, I am the first and most likely last of my family to make pots so
much of what I have learned and experienced will end with me except what I
share along the way. In Japan, things are much different having multiple
generations to rely on, a vast tradition and pool of knowledge, a pottery
database and experience to draw from, such was the case for the late Kato Yasukage
XIV. As a potter, Yasukage was able to draw on a knowledge base that dates back
to 1596 which certainly helps with the pitfalls of a steep learning curve where
some but certainly not all the possible mistakes can be avoided. As I look at
this rich Aka-Shino chawan by Kato Yasukage I can see the subtle influences of
Kato Kageaki and Kagekiyo from his family lineage along with other Momoyama and
modern attributes with possibly just a slight hint of Kitaoji Rosanjin thrown in
for good measure. The rich red surface is decorated with a medieval fence
design that stand out as bold white animating the piece and making a bold
statement infusing the old with the new, a family tradition with the
individuality of a modern potter. I cannot help but be impressed by a pot the straddles
the past and present as skillfully as this classically conceived chawan without
being entirely dependent on that tradition.
"Tradition is a guide and
not a jailer." W. Somerset Maugham
.JPG)