A THOUSAND WORDS

When I was first looked at this detail shot of a large Tsukigata Nahiko tsubo, I was reminded of some of the famous and intricate medieval glassware of Venini or Murano. The complexity of these glaze runs is dramatic and evocative composed of numerous layers and feathering that happen entirely by sheer luck tempered by years of experience to recreate these uncontrollable effects. As the natural ash builds up on the upper portion of the pot in time it becomes molten glass and begins its voyage down the pot picking up traces of feldspar, iron and calcium painting the pathways into mysterious rivers of texture and reflection. I am constantly asked, what exactly is my fascination with the work of Tsukigata and since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll just use this photo in the future.