EDO STYLE

Over the years I have seen a number of bottle forms very similar to the illustrated one from old classic Edo period pieces to their modern interpretations being made in Tamba. The forms and proportions of these ship's tokkuri can vary as well as their scale from small tokkuri size to large pots over 16" in height though this particular one measures a solid 12.5" tall and has somewhat simple lines that manage to result in a rather dramatic presentation. This Tamba bottle was made by Nishibata Tadashi and was dipped in an ash glaze prior to firing letting the natural ash atmosphere take over in completing the overall landscape of the piece. 

There are two distinct types of ash runs on the surface, one a bit dry and olive in nature and the other a glassy green terminating in bidoro drips at various points on the pot. The movement of the ash down the bottle juxtaposed against the purple-red fire color of the clay brings the form to life and makes for a rather rich landscape and gives me the feeling that I am looking at a horizontal style kakejiku scroll made of clay and ash. Though you will have to take my word for it, my wife had actual, real flowers in the vase for a couple of hours the other day and there is a potent completeness to the piece while in use and perhaps a hint of Edo style, I just wish I had taken some photos.