Illustrated
is a detail shot of a large Iga henko form by Kojima Kenji, a piece that was
both exhibited and illustrated in a catalogue from November of 2017. Besides
showing off the wonderful effects created during the firing, the simple and
expertly crafted neck and mouth define the pot, add purpose to the form and
show the way both in and the way out. There is a classic quality to the way the
opening was formed that also creates a sense of mystery of volume, purpose and
emptiness, I find these characteristics quite attractive in a pot adding layers
of depth to the obvious qualities that immediately meet the eye. It is quite
possible to get trapped in endless speculation regarding the vast, empty space
being defined by the physical constraints of the pot and this added dimension
imbues greater significance to the clay skeleton.
Aside from all of the
contemplative characteristics, the neck and mouth of this pot seem to be a
classic element of Kojima Kenji's work being seen on a number of his organic
and geometric forms. The mouth is just perfect in execution and without fail
fits the form to a T, neither too big, nor too small with just the right amount
of depression around the mouth to fill to the brim with ash and create a rather
stunning visual and metaphoric statement. I honestly think it will take some
time to find a better use of geometry that is in play here, as Kojima has managed
to wrest poetry out of geometry while defying both the ferocity of fire and unyielding
laws of gravity. Well done!
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