BOOK COVER

I have this ongoing conversation with several collectors that I correspond with and one issue that comes up is if there was a book written about your collection, however grandiose or humble, what would be the picture on the book cover? Over the years I have seen a surprising array of pieces put forth for such a distinguished spot but admittedly for most collectors of modest means, though it may be the best pot, most significant piece or the most important to the owner but it's more a mental exercise than a reality. I should mention that over the years I have had a number of pots shown to me or handled, some even photographed that could easily be the book cover shot and of these a number have even been included in museum shows but at the end of the day, despite how good a pot is, what number would actually qualify for that sacred piece that makes the cut.   

That being said, recently this large and bold Hori Ichiro Shino tsubo passed my way, a pot as much ethereal painting as it is clay object. At first glance, it is the impressive scale that you focus in on which gives way to the strength of form which is articulated with long, sweeping vertical facets. It is the movement with the pot and the carefully crafted surface that brings the medieval Rimpa style imagery to life, you can sense, almost hear the wind rustling through the grasses conjuring up memories of THE TALE OF GENJI or any number of Kurosawa or Inagaki film. The brilliant use of form, decoration, glaze and firing give way to a work that is the total, complete package and easily worthy of being on the book cover, now all you need to do is find another 50 or 60 pieces that aren't intimidated by the first photo that catches your eye on the book shelf to finish off the book.