TO THE TEST

Over the past couple of years or so I have emailing back and forth with a collector living in Japan discussing Kumano, every day using pots and also Fujioka Shuhei. He recently sent me this photo of a very well fired Iga tokkuri and guinomi by Fujioka that both culminate in wonderful areas of glaze runs and bidoro drips in which his firing technique seem to defy logic. Though both are classical Fujioka pots and composed of a compressed and compact spirit, they have slightly restrained forms compared to some of his most recent work which is high lighted by areas of large facets and angular cuts about the surface, these appear more comfortable to the hand and lip. This set just exudes a  welcoming sense of function and it is easy to imagine using these pieces especially during the height of summer where the cool appearance coupled with a nice cold sake compliment each other and put the duo to the test.

"Pure logic is the ruin of the spirit." Saint-Exupery