Illustrated is a rather large and well decorated Mashiko tsubo
which is well over a foot tall and impressive in person. This robust jar has
vivid areas of tessha floating around the surface which enhances the evocative
wax resist floral design surrounding the pot, a blend of clay, wax and iron.
Made by Kimura Mitsuru, son-in-law of Kimura Ichiro, this tsubo shows the clear
influences of father, his master Hamada Shoji and the feel of pottery that has
collectively become known as Mashiko-yaki. The decoration is fluid and almost
lyrically arranged around the pot like a studied presentation of a waka poem
where image replaces writing but conveys the same sense of narrative. The
timeless quality of the form and surface is an excellent representation of
Mashiko ideals that have almost become codified by Hamada Shoji, Sakuma Totaro,
Murata Gen, Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Tamura Koichi
and Kimura Ichiro, all leaving behind excellent interpretations of what
it means to be Mashiko ware while presenting a phenomenal base for all those
who come after them to learn from, strive to and move beyond.
"The benevolent fragrance permeates all things;
Can it be that each blossom is the reincarnation of the Buddha?" Daishin Gito (1657-1730)
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