AKAZU-YAKI

I really don't know a lot about Akazu-yaki other then it springs from Aiichi Prefecture and is considered under the general umbrella of Seto pottery finding its roots going all the way back to the Heian period and Sueki wares. What is quite obvious is that this mizusashi has a classic Mino-Iga appearance of a feudal vessel with a rather rich surface composed of ash and iron glazes and was made by Akazu-yaki potter Kato Tsuneyoshi (Tsutsumi?). Like the ware itself, I don't know much about Kato Tsuneyoshi but based on the vessel, it is exceedingly well crafted with a well articulated surface, classic lugs and handle applied to finish off the pot and did I mention the thick green pool on the lid surrounding the handle? Besides the stoic, medieval form, the depth and luminescence of the ash really catches my attention, soaking the form in a beautiful surface of varying green bidoro which is punctuated  by areas of a translucent and opaque iron evoking the image of a waterfall pouring down the pot, a narrative painted around the pot in glaze and experience. Some of the most beautiful effects take place around the mizusashi as the base projects creating a strong and stable platform for the piece where ash and iron are highlighted as they collect creating a vivid boundary of deep green and iron from the cascading glazes. Though this is the first and only pot that I have encountered by this potter, it is quite clear that he is quite well practiced based on the way the mizusashi is potted, through the dignity and purpose of form and the skillful application of glaze and I look forward to my next (?) encounter with Akazu-yaki by Kato Tsunayoshi .