I like getting surprise packages and one just
arrived from Japan yesterday filled with over 30 pounds of misc. catalogues. In
the group was a nice Tsukigata catalogue as well as two on Furutani Michio, one
being the source for this illustration. This wonderfully fired, Iga mizusashi
is one of only a few of this form that I have seen and based on the surface it
must have been in the most opportune spot in the kiln which must have yielded
some rather spectacular pots and surfaces. I love this type of firing with lavender, grey
ash, hints of deeper greens, blues and emerald tones about the surface with
a bright ash belt created around the middle of the piece in the depression. I
find this to be a rather inviting pot and love how it goes from dark to light
as you move up the pot which is topped off with a classic Furutani Michio style
lid that sits within a well defined gallery just above the surface of the pot. I
will admit it is a bit like Christmas when I get the occasional group of
catalogues but now I am making my next Christmas list and this mizusashi is
right at the top.
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