There is an old misconception that the
drink, Tang was invented as a result of the NASA space program but the truth is
it was around before manned space flight but its association with NASA
certainly made it quite popular and a must have household item. As for this exhibited Tang influenced Sancai chaire,
though it is not necessary a household item it could be a focal point of any
tea ceremony most pottery collections.
Made by Kato Kobei VII, son of Ningen
Kokuho Kato Takuo, this full and rounded chaire was thrown out of a fine white
clay and then glazed in an alkaline based clear glaze with accents of copper
and cobalt added to the surface which became droozy and melted down the pot. The
fine incised line which circles the pot acts as a strong focal point especially
where the rich green and blues become a bit deeper in the recess capturing the
eyes attention. Kato Kobei VII comes to this style, inherited from the vast
experience, experimentation and interests of his father creating works in the
Persian and Tang Sancai styles which bare a resemblance to his teacher but shows a careful and studied approach to the work which defines the pottery of a
unique voice in not only form but application, design and decoration. There are
few potters carrying on this pursuit and this chaire serves as another brick to
shore up this distinct tradition.
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