At first glance, I am reminded of the earlier works
of the late Mashiko Ningen Kokuho, Tamura Koichi as well as another potter many
thousands of miles away, John Glick but as you study this pot, the image there
are tell tale signs that it was the ex-salary man turned potter Takauchi Shugo
that made this inspired mizusashi. If you start by looking past the surface,
the form is somewhat similar to those used by Takauchi early in his career
along with those of angled planes creating unique and interesting pottery that
was either simply glazed and reduction fired or at times salt and wood fired.
Once you turn your attention to the surface the use of slips, oxides, carving
and sgrafitto are all classic techniques that Shugo has employed through his
entire career as an innovative potter; his use of space and movement through
design is a particular hallmark. To finish off the pot, Takauchi Shugo has used
a hexagonal, recessed lid that fits the piece quite well and the stylized
animal knob is seen on a number of his earlier thrown and hand built pots that
have lids. Though I can still see the influence of Tamura Koichi's camellia
blossom tsubo which was made in the very late 1960's, how can a potter not be
influenced by one of the giant's of Mashiko while remaining true to his
personal vision and vocabulary.
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