TETSU-GAMA

The box for this small Kojima Kenji sakazuki reads; IGA, TETSU-GAMA GUINOMI, KENJI and after handling it, the "cryptic" iron kiln notation makes a bit more sense. Thrown just on the thinner side, this open form has just a bit of uneveness to the posture and lip and the foot was very casually cut making for a stable but slightly wonky pot at first glance. Clearly wood fired, the surface is covered in a layer of melted iron from either slip or glaze and then further cloaked in natural wood ash creating a variety of effects including a rich cascade of brown ash and iron and ash crystals punctuating the interior of the guinomi. The exterior face of the piece was incised with the potter's mark which is now covered over in the same brown glass as part of the interior which is both a nice feature to admire as well as its tactile appeal. There is a lot going on with the form and surface of this Kojima Kenji guinomi which as I am wont to say, it punches well above its weight in both its aesthetics and function.