INLIBRO

I have had a number of discussion regarding pots that are illustrated in catalogue of book and as you may guess there are varied opinions as to the value of such. There is from some the insistance that it increases the value of the pot by some percentage (?) and at the opposite end that it has no effect or influence on the piece what so ever considering the long standing Japanese tradition of illustrated catalogues accompanying the pot. Illustrated is such a pot, an Iga hanaire made by Furutani Michio for a Mitsukoshi exhibition in Sept/Oct 1989 illustrated in the catalogue that went with the show. In the exhibit catalogue the photo shows a rather rich green surface but under differing lighting the vase turns a deep green tone with hints of browns especially where the ash has built up and pooled. 

 The form of the piece is more or less cylindrical though the upper portion has been slightly pushed oval and the spatula work on the front and back add a slight distortion to thepot as well. Complete with throwing marks around the neck and mouth of the pot, the base is encircled with a singular depression defing the base and the vase is flanked on either side by applied and pinch mimitsuka style appendages breaking up the somewhat straight verticality of the pot. I should also point out that I find a great number of Furutani Michio's pieces to be timeless, they have an austere quality and a weathered beauty that comes from knowing the material and firing intimately and this pot is certainly not an exception as it pocesses the very best qualities of the potter's vision of Iga. 

As for the debate, I would have to say my conclusion is rather simple, irrespective of value there is a comforting quality that comes from knowing exactly where a pot came from, approximately when it was made and that there is absolutely no question as to the authenticty of the pot. I would also add, what must the potter have thought of the piece considering he saved the piece and put it forward in an exhibition to show off his very finest, best work?