From
a late September (2021) firing, illustrated is what I consider to be the best
of the recent saffron and Hagi white glaze tests stepped up from pod to yunomi
and to teabowl, you have to learn to crawl before you can walk. Though I
actually tried out this glaze combo on a slightly larger jar, for whatever
reason, the glaze and surface really popped on this waisted style teabowl with
a wide array of effects that I am beginning to expect from this style. The
secondary saffron, iron yellow glaze runs just enough to create a nice sense of
movement adding a bit to the vertical nature of the piece with a nice palette
of hues and textures scattered about the surface like a nice autumn landscape
right down to the coloration with the inclusions in the clay adding even more
visual punctuation. I have to admit
that I am liking this surface and the activities it presents especially over
the small batch clay that I am making with mixed sand in it. That being said
the clay is a bit rough to throw but I am getting used to it and even with the
inclusions it has a good degree of plasticity and certainly stands up rather
well. I have become rather addicted to texture over the last handful of years
and this clay with this surface or even my Oribe or Kuro-Oribe is perfect for
the task. I have managed to find a source of good clean small stone that I may try
mixing in to the clay body but I wonder at what point is enough, enough? I am
thinking for the time being I may actually "hold fast' exactly where I am.
.JPG)