O-GUCHI

Illustrated is a detail of the shoulder and mouth of an early and large Oni-Shino tsubo by Tsukigata Nahiko. I used this piece in a previous blog post quite a while ago and stumbled on this picture this morning and thought that Tsukigata is always a good way to start the week. I really love the crusty texture around the mouth that gives way to the animated texture created by the glaze flowing down the vertical surface. Though made earlier in Tsukigata's pursuit of Oni-Shino all the elements of his style are on display on this wood fired pot from feldspar, iron and ash creating a distinctive landscape that is clear synonymous with a style and surface that will forever be linked with this pioneering figure who added to and moved the Mino tradition that much closer into the 21st century.