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 .
.JPG)