As
I have mentioned before, over the years I have come to think of Kimura Ichiro
and his work as quintessential Mashiko-yaki from it simple execution, design
and glazing to its folksy, utilitarian practicality even when it comes for
articles intended for tea ceremony. The posted illustration comes from an old
catalogue of Kimura's work and illustrates the honesty and range of his pottery
and even though this pot is intended as a mizusashi, it is easy to picture it
in an multiplicity of uses from rice storage to holding your cat (or dog)
treats. I am impressed by the simplicity of the form made all the more
interesting by the crackle glaze that reminds me of eggshell impressed lacquer
decoration that has been around for centuries. The surface on these pots is
enjoyably tactile with recesses creating fissures which in turn create the
wonderful visual landscape of the pot. After you study this pot for a while it
is easy to see the influences of his master, Hamada Shoji from the effortless practicality
and simplicity of the form to the easy to use classic style knob set a top the recessed
lid. The raised bands around the form and mouth of the pot look very much like
they are holding the pot together and keeping the volume of the interior from
expanding any further; with all of these visual and tactile cues I think there
is little else that could have been done to make such a simple mizusashi so
thoughtfully interesting.
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