Looking
a bit like ripe persimmons hanging off an impromptu bamboo trellis, the design
on this chawan reminds me of the work of Ishiguro Munemaro but is clearly the
inspired decoration of the multi-talented Uchida Koichi (b.1969). I enjoy
Uchida's works quite a bit and there is a lot to enjoy as his forms, surfaces
and styles are quite varied and he is equally skilled at most of what he
attempts and this chawan is certainly a textbook example. The form, glaze and
decoration are in such harmony with each other it is simply a perfect bowl
right down to the well dressed kodai and his choice of clay, everything is just
right. The foot is thrown and cut in such a way to create a wonderful lift for
the form and emphasizes the negative space under the main portion of the bowl
leading the eye to the slight irregularity of the form and wandering mouth. I
am captivated by the rich decoration which could have easily been created by a
much earlier potter but was captured by a modern potter who is as dedicated to
the old as he is the new and it shows in his work.
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