KO-TSUBO III

Over the years I have seen a number of utsushimono of this particular form, perhaps the most notable by Tsujimura Shiro though this particular Iga ko-tsubo is by Imura Mitsuo. Small in stature and about the same dimensions tall as it is wide, this rough and tumble Iga ko-tsubo must have been fired in the perfect place in the kiln as the surface is a wonderful story of process and determination painting a rustic landscape that is what wood firing is all about. Beyond the wonderful shape and crisp delineation between body and shoulder it is the mouth that captivates ones attention all sharp, craggy and dog-eared resembling a mountain chain well off in the distance but able to fit in the palm of your hand. Though barely the size of a chawan, it is filled with character from its offset posture and vivid palette of ash coloration but it is the strength that you can't help noticing first and foremost that far exceeds its scale.