When I first saw this thrown and
altered vase form, all I could think was what an excellent use of iron, iron in
the temmoku base glaze and also in the rusty overglaze application causing the
runny, partridge style effects. Originally round and now octagonal, Kobayashi
Kazumasa has defined, deliniated the eight planes by adding protruding borders
at the intersection of each panel adding a bit of drama to the form. The
planes, lip and angled foot of this vase form create a rather stoic, geometric
form that has elements of movement just backing the piece away from the
precipice of appearing to be of
industrial origins. Kobayashi Kazumasa worked in Kyoto and
studied under Kawai Einosuke who was well know for his knowledge and use of
glazes. Though I am not well acquainted with Kobayashi's work, it does appear
like he made use of a lot of iron glazes including on a number of tokkuri,
guinomi and yunomi that are out circling in the ether of the internet. At any rate,
this vase shows a reliance on a Kyoto aesthetic blended with Chinese pottery
archtypes, blended and used in a rather skilled and deliberate manner which
makes me curious about what will be the next pot by this Kobayashi Kazumasa
that I encounter?
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