CHOREOGRAPHED

Though slightly reminescent of Tomimoto Kenkichi, this simple henko form with colorful floral decoration was made by Suzuki Kiyoshi (1903-1964). This vase clearly shows the influence of his master, Tomimoto with clear Kiyomizu (Kyoto) elements regarding the decoration and design elements making for a rather identifiable style typical, even traditional for the area with rich undeglaze blue, sometsuke brushwork ranging from soft blue to deep, almost black areas and hints of coral added as accents and later a rich red overglaze to punctuate the space and line the form along with the deep blue cobalt. Despite being over half a century old, this henko looks fresh, bright with decoration perfect for early summer and considering it was created and decorated to capture those exact sentiments it continues to preform just as intended. 

 Suzuki Kiyoshi studied with Tomimoto Kenkichi including at the Sennyu-ji and later with sculptor Yamamoto Kakuji before founding the Sekidosha with Kusube Yaichi, Kano Mitsuo and Asami Ryozo among others. Passing along the Kiyomizu, Kyoto aesthetic, both of Suzuki Kiyoshi's sons are potters; Suzuki Kenji and Takuji work in what I would still consider to be the fused Kiyomizu - Kyoto style making highly decorated and well considered pottery and design. If memory serves me, I remember seeing somewhere, perhaps the GENDAI TOUGEI SAKAIYE JITEN that Suzuki was born into a family who specialized in mold makering which would certainly help explain his prowess in making such well conceived and perfect henko forms. I have to think that looking at this well decorated henko, just how pleased Suzuki Kiyoshi must have been when he unloaded this kiln even if this was one among many, each pot unique but tied together in a well choreographed cycle or making, decorating, glazing and firing.