NATURAL FLOW

In some respects I am reminded of the stacked "chimney pots" of American potters like Peter Voulkos and Don Reitz as I look at this wood fired Tamba piece but this form pre-dates the 20th century and finds its inspiration sometime in the Edo period of pre-modern Japan. Made by a member of the extended Ichino family of Tamba, this vessel was made by Ichino Genwa and shows a clear understanding of a thoughtful use of clay and flame. Though not particularly large this form has a large presence and the firing created a unique landscape on the face where the pot laid face down during the process allowing the ash to reach around like some alien grip  which terminate in a series of drops now frozen as part of the narrative. 

When surveying the other side of the form it is easy to conclude that this is a somber piece but as you following the movement to the face that initial impression gives way to one of contemplation and a sense of animation, a reminder of the connection of pottery and humanity through the millennium. It is this wonderful quality of wood fired pots that I find so attractive, opposite surfaces from front to back uniquely created that despite their difference there is a natural flow in to one another in a continuous and natural manner creating a landscape that changes as you navigate the piece. This is another one of those "simple" pieces but of a good purposeful and strong form combined with a well fired surface and though I may ask this way too often, what more can you ask from a pot?