JUST A JAR

Illustrated is a rather classic Shigaraki tsubo with a traditional net pattern paddled across the surface. This large tsubo was made by veteran Shigaraki staple, Takahashi Shunsai  and is fired in a rather typical fashion for the potter with areas of wet and dry ash coverage together with areas of fine hi-iro fire color. Born in 1927, Shunsai studied under his father Rakusai III who is credited with bringing attention back to traditional Shigaraki pottery of the region as well as revitalizing the tradition as a whole. Takahashi Shunsai's works follows in his father's footsteps where he has added his own voice to the family business which is balanced against the work of his brother Rakusai IV. Did I mention it was big, at over 13" tall and 17" wide it makes for a rather impressive, timeless display piece that captures what 20th century Shigaraki is all about while having just a hint of the modern in its bearing and form. There is a rather nice catalogue which showcases Shunsai's jars; THE SHIGARAKI WARE; NAOKATA'S TEA WARE & SHUNSAI'S JARS, illustrating a number of wonderful tsubo and surfaces that any 20th or 21st Century Shigaraki potter would be proud to create.