WHAT'S OLD IS NEW

This wide shouldered jar is a classic utsushi-mono of a medieval Ko-Shigaraki tsubo made centuries ago but what's old (in appearance) is new in creation. made by Tani Seiuemon back in the mid-1990s, this tsubo exhibits all the classic and traditional characteristics of much older pottery with just the right amount of the potter's personal touch to show in the pot. The broad shoulders and animated form show off the right amount of slump caused by the intense wood firing of the original archetype which are skillfully mimicked in this pot to strike a rather natural and antiquated appearance. As mentioned in previous posts, Tani started off studying old Shigaraki pottery before ever making pots and when he did so, he brought his knowledge of all the aesthetics and forms that had preceded and infused it in to his works leaving quite a number of utsushi-mono, copies among his body of work. I have to admit that I really enjoy the naïve and honest qualities that surround this pot; carefully and skillfully created and manipulated to look quite casual and as much a result of the ferocity of the kiln rather than the hands of the potter.