HEPTAGONAL HAGI

I think that I am most attracted to a pot when it is obvious it isn't trying too hard to get my attention, where a strong, simple form has a complimentary surface and subtle yet compelling details and attributes. Illustrated is a such a pot, an unusual and non-symmetrical heptagon, seven sided Hagi mizusashi by veteran potter, Yamato Yasuo that at its core is rather simple, direct and has that unfettered sense of purpose aimed at but not restricted to its function in the tea ceremony.     

My assumption is that this mizusashi was coil built out of a coarse, sandy/ rocky clay and then carefully faceted to create panels of individual landscapes that work together around the pot creating a wonderful blushed vista. The glaze is mostly composed of a number of blushed pink and coral tones with accents of white and cream clinging to recesses and highpoints like they were intentionally placed there by a painted brush. Through much of the glaze there are small stones punctuating the surface which despite its opacity still gives a clear sense as to the clay surface hidden underneath. The foot compliments the form and is excised to create a raised foot completing the heptagonal form that is topped off by a custom made black roiro lacquer lid for good measure.       

This particular Hagi mizusashi made its way into a retrospective museum show on Yamato Yasuo in Yamaguchi Prefecture and is illustrated in the large accompanying catalogue from the exhibition as well as an exhibition catalogue. Despite the rather simple form it is rather plain to see that everywhere you look there are details, subtleties that are baked in and present a pot full to the lip with what it means to explore the modern Hagi tradition.