Illustrated is solitary Shino
vase by Higashida Shigemasa punctuated in use with a floral arrangement. It is
simple in form but the piece has a wide array of features that are compelling
enough; from rich textural surface, direct spatula marks on opposing sides and
the soft, velvety texture with a satin appearance to the glaze. Higashida calls
this unique glaze, Hakusetsu, white snow and it surely paints a picture of
purity, of softly drifting snow engulfing the form. For nearly two decades the
potter has been working on perfecting this glaze and its use finding both
traditional and modern forms that compliment each other. I have had the
opportunity to see and handle a wide number of different Shino works and I can
say that this glaze is among the most idiosyncratic and personal surfaces I
have encountered. I can't speak to whether Higashida has perfected this glaze
yet to his taste but in hand and also in use, it seems about as perfect as it
can get.
If you would like to see
more photos of this vase, please feel free to click on the link which will
bring you to my Trocadero marketplace;
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