Friday, April 2, 2021

YESTERDAY IS TOMORROW

I think this is about as classic a modern Madara-Karatsu chawan as you may encounter. Made by Fujinoki Dohei (b.1949) the archetypical form is well matched by the surface with a dark, iron undeglaze and the creaming, cascading qualities of the streaked tan overglaze that covers the interior and runs down the exterior terminating just prior to the foot and possible disaster. Though I may be prejudice, I think this bowl has that 17th century feel which most Karatsu potters strive for while keeping an eye toward the future realizing that yesterday is tomorrow. I put together this short video slideshow to give a three dimensional sense to the form and surface and hope it doesn't fall short from that goal.     

"Today instead of just carrying on the traditions set by olden makers, we are also eager to improve and make our own designs, thus continuing the old customs and traditions with a modern touch. " Nishikawa Ikko as recorded in the book, KARATSU  by Johanna Becker, O.S.B.