For
just the briefest moment today, a sliver of sun came in through the back window
on to the shelves on the wall and for just an instant, this pot peaked out from
the shadows. Showing off a coating of all natural ash this anagama fired Iga
kinuta vase shows off its simple surface that is composed of a myriad of subtle
colors that make up this ice sheet compressed within the line of the shoulder
and a border of charcoal from where the pot rested during the end of the
intense wood firing. I really respond to the interaction between clay and Sun
but in the end, the pot has to deliver the goods all on its own, the lighting
is just the delivery system of the senses in this case. In terms of this
mallet, this is likely one of the simplest and purest kinuta forms that I have
seen by Furutani Michio, stripped down, slightly angled sides and neck the minimal
amount of marks around the torso of the piece. Fired in presumably one of the
best spot in his kiln, Furutani allowed the firing process to write a majority of
the story across the surface of the pot which as with many of his pieces at
first glance seems a simple story but like many a great work, it is the
subtleties, the nuances and the variations in color and light that portray a
much more vivid and complex narrative at which this potter excelled. Even in
the shadows, it is easy to see the mastery of Furutani Michio on full display
and easily recognizable as Iga at its modern best.
.JPG)
