AN EXPANDING TRADITION

When I think about Oribe I am always struck by the sheer variety of colors, textures and use of the glaze beyond the established, traditional norms. Even with my own work using Oribe there is a nearly infinite (?) amount of possibility with each new use just around the corner or out of the next kiln. This large Oribe vessels is a perfect example of potential, adding dramatically to an already expansive tradition through the use of incised decoration with washes and inlaid color to alter the designs and surfaces. Though there is a great degree of precision in Usui's works, there is a calculated and almost cerebral playfulness that sparks the mind and emotion into action. I put this short video slideshow together in an attempt to capture the depth and dimension of this Oribe vase and hope that it gives a better glimpse in to what you would see if it were right in front of you.