HINTS

 

Illustrated is a rather good size gosu futamono decorated in sliptrailing and glaze additions in the overall feel of the Kawai school, made by Mukunoki Eizo. Though Mukunoki was one of Kawai Kanjiro's very last students there are qualities and characteristics that show in much of his work that were clearly influenced by the master and have dictated the direction of his pottery after his apprenticeship. In general, it is rather easy to say, "well that wasn't made by Kanjiro" or "that was made by Takeichi, Hirotsugu or Mukunoki Eizo", while that is still obviously the case with this press molded hexagonal box form what initially struck me was the wonderful slip trailing and colors which did bare a stronger than normal resemblance to Kawai Kanjiro than I usually see in Mukunoki's works or that of most of the other apprentices.

  Molded out of white stoneware clay the overall form is quite intriguing with a strong, stout form, crisp well considered lines and a chamfered bevel from the walls of the exterior to the base creating a rather engaging first impression. Once the form was made decoration was placed in the center top of each of the six vertical panels and the lid had a rather intoxicating floral decoration applied that truly articulates the hexagonal lid. The form was then glazed in a gosu blue glaze with the addition of green and red accents further articulating the form and design concurrently making for a rather stand-out Kawai school covered piece which follows the ideals of mingei, function and beauty with hints of his master mingled in for maximum affect.   

From an interview with a number of Kawai Kanjiro students, Mukunoki Eizo recounted life altering advice that he received from his master; "Be honest and make strong objects." he said. "Be careful, work without cutting corners and you must make objects that are loved by everyone.". I think it is quite safe to say that though these are lofty goals, Mukunoki Eizo has followed this advice during his long pottery career and to my eye, this covered box is not only a strong object but one that isn't all that difficult to love and even easier to use.