FIRST ENCOUNTER

I think it is quite easy for sculptural ceramics to spring to mind when discussing the works of Ohira Kazumasa from large outdoor installations to small, intimate almost pieces that are far more than function. Over the years however there is a portion of his work, much of it based on old Iga pottery that at its core it is both very functional and medieval in both appearance and construction. This large medieval style Iga o-hachi is just one such piece that was my first encounter with Ohira's works back in 1991 or 1992 and is clearly a piece where function and tradition play a key role in both its creation and purpose. Close to two feet in diameter, the clay is coarse, yet wonderful to handle and admire while the ash has both covered the entire form in a fine wet mist while built up deposits have melted around the rim and run in to the interior of the pot creating some abstract landscape, an imaginary vista that compliments both form, function and food in its use. While I have nothing against sculptural ceramics, a style that I am quite fond of, at the end of the day I generally choose the fusion of form, function, clay and surface in those objects that play a role in our everyday lives and I think a large Iga platter like this fits that bill to near perfection.