RIN

Illustrated is a finely thrown and carved porcelain vase with a pale seihakuji glaze surface influenced by Chinese Song ceramics by Kurashima Taizan of the Daizan-gama. Working in Sue located in Fukuoka, the pottery of the Kurashima family is known as Sue-yaki and as mentioned and looks to both Chinese ceramics and Arita ware for its initial inspiration. This tsubo like hanaire was expertly thrown and is thin and light yet the procelain has been fired to create a dense and hard clay that rings finely when tapped. The mouth and shoulder area has been exquisitely carved to create a five  lotus leaf design to harmonize with the rinka style mouth all under the thin coating of a simple, elegant blue tinted glaze that highlights the form.    

Kurashima Taizan is well known for his wonderful, Song inspired ceramics and carving that runs from rather simple to very ornate and complex. As you can see in this simple, static photo, this vase embraces the concept of "RIN" or "quiet clarity" and his work was included in the exhibition, RIN (1996) showcasing his pale blue and ivory colored carved porcelains. As the accompanying catalogue details, Kurashima's works conjure up thoughts of purity and elegance and having handled a few of his pieces, it would be next to impossible to disagree with that conclusion.