STORY TELLER

As I think about the very first pieces of pottery that were repurposed as chawan, I think about simple, humble rice bowls, pots from kilns in China, Korea and various spots around Kyoto and Japan, pieces that were as uncomplicated as possible. To put it as succinctly as possible in a modern colloquial, these bowls were no fuss, no muss, they were mostly unconsciously created, even disposable in some respects as even potters of that time period may have had the mind set, "you use them, you break them, we'll just make more". When I saw this ever so simple chawan by Matsuzaki Ken, it is that origin that sprung to mind; simply conceived, simply thrown, tooled and fired, focused clarity of purpose. From my perspective making a simple bowl that is alive, animated and is not boring is a true feat, almost herculean in nature but I think this pot has succeeded, the form is strong and honest, broad and inviting with a certain rhythm thrown into the clay perched atop a classic foot the elevates and helps define the narrative of the chawan. The firing is always risky but in this case, it must have been in the exact right spot for the piece as it is blanketed in a near total glaze of natural ash that adds warmth, texture and a visual appeal to the chawan that perhaps a few inches in any other direction may not have cooperated. I know I drone on from time to time about how everything has to go right to produce a good pot but it really does boil down to a perfect storm of temperament, clay and firing to end up with a pot that that is based on simplicity and has quite a story to share.