Illustrated
is an Iga sake bottle by Kojima Yousuke (b. 1976) and simply put it is a
tokkuri created by design. Though it seems only a simple and well fired
tokkuri, Kojima Yousuke has the dual benefits of being trained by his father,
Iga veteran, Kojima Kenji but he also studied at the Kyoto Culinary Institute
which has sharpened his senses to the purpose, display and function of the
pottery that he makes in conjunction with food and beverages. This particular
tokkuri is a great size and form and
fits well in the hand and has a perfect base for when at rest or at the ready
to be used, the surface is classicly wood fired with the neck and mouth just
inviting one to use it. Kojima set up his own studio/kiln in 2003 and has had
several shows, including together with his father and is carried by a number of
galleries, many of which carry either wood fired or more traditional pottery. I
have used the old axiom, regarding the apple not falling far from the tree
which is not always so with father and son but in this case, Kojima Yousuke
shows many of the influences,understanding and promise of Ko-Iga that makes for
a potter on the rise and a reflection of his master.
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