OPTICAL ILLUSION

I think I have mentioned my first contact with this potter, Miura Shurei all the way back during the traveling Kikuchi Collection exhibition where on display was a set of very pretty and very functional bowls. The surfaces on the bowls were captivating and created a rather unique effect that defied what one could actually see if you concentrated enough. This detail shot is from a large, fat, rounded tsubo of distinctly Chinese taste in which a similar effect occurs, basically it is an optical illusion in which as you look at the round and full belly of the pot the glaze seems to create an unending series of circular designs. In actuality the glaze is all running at quite a clip down the pot, after all, gravity is a law we must all contend with whether we like it or not. I will admit as far as illusions go, it is quite a nice one and really gives the pot a variety of looks especially in differing light from an almost shimmery gun metal to this effervescent surface filled with a near rainbow of color and texture. I know I say this about way too many potters but I was very pleased with my encounter with this pot and look forward to my next meeting with the work of Miura Shurei.