AUSTERE

Stark, solitary and contemplative come to mid as I look at this rather nice Bizen vase on display with a seasonal Ume branch sent from a friend. I like the austerity of the setting and the wabi-sabi feel to the vase completed through its use. This Bizen vase was made by Isezaki Kyo the forth son and student of the late Isezaki Mitsuru, he also studied under Shibaoka Kouichi (1988-1993). I received three photos of this vase in use and choose this particular one because I immediately responded to the variety of decoration created during the firing from the subtle botamochi areas to the soft coloration caused by the ash during the wood firing please there is this wonderful collaboration of simplicity of setting, vessel and branch. I enjoy the sparse nature of the vase, arrangement and image and as we brace for yet more snow here it is a reminder that our spring is hopefully not so distant.

When the spring has come

First flowering at my dwelling is

The plum blossom

In solitude, will gaze on it

And spend the day in springtime!        Yamonoue (no) Okura (660 - 733)