I have mentioned before how we are
basically accidental collectors when it comes to gunomi but every now and then
there is a piece that is just to compelling to pass on. This particular Hagi
guinomi with wari-kodai has such a rich, deep and complex surface that it was
just too perfect to forget so we added yet one more guinomi to the collection.
Made by a rather skilled Hagi craftsman, Matsuno Ryuji (1954-2005) this guinomi
has a surface that has a wide array of colors, tones and textures making it a
delight, especially in the shaded sunlight of one of our display areas. Matsuno
specialized in a number of styles of Hagi and also pursued the field of
abstract, sculptural ceramics which he created as modern Hagi pieces at his
studio and kiln, the Ryokuei-gama which he founded in 1974. This particular
guinomi is a typical example of his work in which he showed great skill at navigating
within the this tradition yet trying to infuse his work with his personal
vision to carry out a meaningful dialogue between the past and present of
Hagi-yaki.
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