PORTRAIT OF SPRING

I received this picture, a portrait of spring if you will the other day and as things are just barely starting to bloom here in the Mohawk Valley it was nice to remember what the season can look like. This singular magnolia branch adorns a rather rustic vase by Kumano Kuroemon making for a completion of purpose for vessel and foliage. The presentation is a bit sparse, a necessity to keep from totally denuding the owners magnolia but it is still quite sufficient to show off the aesthetics of Kumano's early glazed pottery together with a solitary gift from nature and its fleeting companion. 

As to the vase, it is clear to see how purpose and function was built in to the form, the base is strong, sturdy and has enough mass to remain upright under most reasonable arrangements while the tapered mouth keeps the branch from "flopping" and weakening the center of gravity and spilling the contents to the tatami underneath. The neck/ mouth and lugs are classic Kumano whether the pot was made 30 years ago or today adding just the right amount of anthropomorphic gesture to a vase that already possesses vertical and horizontal movement, attributes this potter is rather good at. Like the branch, the vase is simple enough and it is the colors, textures and character that though subtle at times, paints a provocative picture of function and tells its fullest story in its everyday use.

"I hear the wind,

Rustle the magnolia branches. 

The scent of spring."