CONTRAST

There is a fair degree of diversity when looking at the body of work that Matsuzaki Ken has created over his time working in clay. Spanning the Mino tradition and well beyond, Matsuzaki turned his attention to unglazed wood fired surfaces and has not looked back while bringing along the bulk of his oeuvre with him which also benefits from his intense firings. This particular haiyu mizusashi is no exception, though seeded with glaze when put in to the kiln, the natural effects and intensity of the firing have created a pot that benefits from both. The sturdy lobed form has a wonderful coating of ash that accentuates the form and due to the heat, the ash has dripped down the pot adding more movement and interest to the form. As you can see in the photo there is a great contrast between the upper and lower portions of the pot which adds a subtle degree of visual tension to the pot while also acting as a transition that makes for a rather unified piece. There is an ongoing debate between the simplicity of the pot with the various complex elements that bring the pot to life which is all capped with a wonderful lobed lid which has a marvelous border of deep shimmering olive green glass that adds "that" visual punch to the mizusashi that is rather hard to ignore. 

"There is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by contrast. Nothing exists in itself."  Herman Melville