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.
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