TSUKI-GATA NOT TSUKIGATA

Tsuki-gata means, moon form (or shape) which is not to be confused with the potter Tsukigata Nahiko though as broad as his range is, this falls outside of his body of work. This hand built Oribe koro was made by the late Kato Yasukage XIV and has a rather playful and unique form that is again echoed in the crescent moon knob he placed on the lid. The glaze is mottled in an array of greens with some iron tones mixed in all while sitting rather securely on three attached legs to hold the form upright. I should mention that besides being somewhat unique in its presentation, this koro is rather large at over 30cm long and has quite a nice presence because of the size and shape of the piece. Truthfully, I have seen a number of Kato's works and other than his more traditional chawan and other chadogu, most of his forms have a unique and individual quality to them which separates his work from the pack and leaves a rather distinct and highly admired body or work inspired by the various Mino traditions.    

"Twas the new moon! 

Since then I waited-    

And lo! Tonight! (I have my reward)     Matsuo Basho