TIME IN A BOTTLE (KORO)

In some respects, looking at this koro I can see how it seems a bit out of step with the modern ceramic currents pervasive in Japan. I think there are pots that proliferated the ceramic scene around the globe that appear distinctly dated, think about all those "brown" pots made in the US during the 1970s. Being dated isn't a bad thing, all of these pots along the ceramic timeline are moments toward exactly what is happening now either as an evolution or in some instance a backlash to what has gone before. I must admit that I love these mile markers that were made along the way and this sweet little koro is no exception, a style that many consider quaint now was both aesthetically and technically rather well received during its day. This brightly colored, glazed koro was made by Shinkai Kanzan who inherited much of his influences and glaze acumen from his uncle, Seifu Yohei IV and Kiyomizu Rokubei VI, both pioneers during their day who helped establish and steer a number of potters across Japan.  

Thrown out of a slightly off white stoneware, Shinkai used paper resist to create the designs and then stamped slip across the surface before removing the paper and revealing the decoration as seen across the surface. After the pot was bisque, the piece was glazed in a thin layer of a clear glaze and then various oxides were used to paint and color the surface to the affect seen here. Though in many respects a classic pot from the 1970s, the rhythm, balance and movement of the design fit the form perfectly and to my eye, this little pot stands the test of time. Like I said, I like "retro", these pieces fill in the blanks of ceramic history and not to sound too saccharin, a good older pot is like holding "time in a bottle" and what possibly beats that?