Though
I usually go for a more rough and tumble style chawan infused with a sense of serendipity I am pleasantly attracted to the contrast of the random quality of
the background juxtaposed with the exacting precision and elegance of the gold
decoration and strong, static form. Inviting to the eye, this chawan has a
classic sense of nobility and refinement from a very different time as if it
has time warped from several centuries earlier showing elements and influences
from Kyoto culture of the aristocracy or from the modernism of the Meiji era.
Most bowls would come off as very cold and contrived but decision carefully
considered by the potter have created a rather striking blend of the refined,
the practical and the modern. Made by Kato Ichiro (b.1974), he originally studied with Ito Motohiko before
going on to create a rather unique style that is heavily reliant on simple,
elegant pattern based on historical decoration and his own unique blend of
design. As a foot note, adding to how well this bowl works visually is the
wonderful lift of the pot perched on a sturdy and well conceived kodai, foot
that like every other small detail of the piece was obviously very well thought
and planned out.
.JPG)