AKA-E

A number of years back there was a rather nice but small traveling show put on by the Japan Foundation; EXHIBITION OF JAPANESE TRADITIONAL POTTERY : Work in Traditional Styles by Modern Potters. This was an easy to remember exhibit as the pieces, all 65 of them were rather memorable and indicative of the potters represented. Among the group was a simple aka-e decorated stoneware hachi with areas of black glaze and overglaze red and green enamels by Kato Kenji. Inspired by the Persian pottery he is best known for the decoration and presentation was entirely his own voice and unique among modern Japanese pottery.

The slideshow video I just put together is of a far more intricate and provocative designed hachi though the form, style and techniques are identical with Kato's distinct vocabulary with bits of Persian and possibly Scythian elements thrown in for good measure. The decoration is wonderfully balanced on the squared form with rich whitish and black glaze acting as the back drop for wonderful brushwork using a deep red overglaze enamel with accents of green about the surface all tied together by whispy tendrils of quick, delicate and lyrical line work. Though I imagine this hachi was intended as a serving piece, I can't help but imagine a table set with six, eight or even twelve of this hachi acting as "dinner plates" at an other worldly gathering of friends and family.