The
illustrated kohiki mizusashi is a picture I have had on the hard drive for some
time now. I don't have much info on the potter, Tamura Hamao but what I can say
is that I really enjoy how the piece was made, slipped and glazed. In fact, I
would go so far as to say that this is one of the most casual, non-chalant and
honest pieces I have seen in some time. Please bare in mind that I am making
observations from over a dozen photos (none of them mine) and it appears like
Tamura threw this mizusashi like he presumably had many dozens before, quickly
faceted the surface and once green, dipped it in a fine slip before it was
bisque and glazed, in other words, the pot was made purposefully from an
experienced routine with little thought given to the process beyond muscle
memory. The mizusashi is the epitome of simplicity of form and exectution but
the uneven facets, random iron spotting, active slip and mellow clear glaze
create a pot that is filled with subtle nuances, complex and hidden gems,
making the whole so much more than what the description of the pot and process
whould indicate. I really enjoy pots like this but it is hard not to like and
not for the lack of the potter trying, doing just what he does, day in and day
out.
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