THICK ASH, CRACKLED SLIP*

Illustrated is a small guinomi made by Ando Moriyuki and the technique is described as HAIYU ONIHADA (ash glaze, devil texture) but could just as well be called; thick ash, crackled slip. This diminutive pot is a rather functional guinomi with a fairly thick coating of ash glaze covering and sealing all of the openings and cracks of the underlying slip keeping the piece sanitary while providing a surface that is just filled with texture, color and a very tactile experience. I enjoy this type of guinomi, a piece that resembles the form and proportions of a chawan. In this case the curve of the bowl and its wall have that classic appearance where it rests on a foot that is not wide at all in the overall proportions of the guinomi and the kodai and its interior are addressed just like that of a chawan. I really enjoy the overall presentation of a pot, in this case a guinomi but I like to delve into the smaller details, some obvious and some less so that also gives some insight as to what the potter was thinking when he made it and how those concerns shaped the little piece that you see resting here. 

(*Not a follow-up sequel to CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON)