While
I freely admit there are those times when simplicity is overshadowed by a
really complex form or surface, the majority of what appeals to me is a simple
pot, a simple bowl with a simple form, simple lines and simple surface. As I
look at this kairagi-yu chawan by Kimura Morinobu that is exactly what I see in
this bowl, classic purposeful form and intriguing and textural surface with a
bold decoration that at first glance appears to clash or contradict the
simplicity but after studying the piece it actually is in harmony creating a
unified aesthetic. I am drawn to the form and spontaneous cutting of the foot born of practicality and more to the point, the way in which Kimura has used the
clay and glaze in such a straight forward and honest manner. The bold, form-conscious
iron decoration comes into play and brings life and movement to the pot. This
chawan has a story, the story of decades of bowls and other pots made in series
both large and small. This story creates a distinct vocabulary that has a
commonality while at the same time creating unique works
in clay, each with their own nuances and individual tendencies that set each
and ever one apart. This chawan is precisely why I like simple and admire the
manner in which Kimura Morinobu makes pots, everything he makes is the same but
very different at the same time.
.JPG)