THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS KABIN

The post title might be a bit kitschy but the truth is this is a rather curious kabin (vase). This particular vase is described as Ki-Seto, well actually Oni Ki-Seto to put a fine point on it and truthfully doesn't necessarily look like most pots of that tradition but then again, when has Tsukigata Nahiko walked along the path of traditional absolutes? This photo comes from a catalogue from 1972 or 1973, I don't remember which and is representative of the Oni infused Ki-Seto that Tsukigata was making at the time ranging from very traditional aburage style Ki-Seto to mustard tinged yellows to rich, deep surfaces like this and a number of variations in between. Though this does not immediately conjure up the thought of Arakawa style Ki-Seto, it is clearly a potter determined to not only redefine conventions but also blazing his own unique style with an Oni flair. I should mention that I have seen two very classic Ki-Seto chaire and a chawan by Tsukigata and if and when I can find the photos I will post them. In the mean time, enjoy yet another page to the tradition of modern Ki-Seto pottery or as modern as 1972 gets these days now nearly fifty years later.

"The proper words in the proper places are the true definition of style."  Jonathan Swift