Monday, September 30, 2024

NEAR PERFECT HARMONY

There is something rather special about a simple bowl that though subtle has all the bells and whistles you may want or need. This Yamada Kazu E-Shino is mostly pure white Shino with a perpetual wetness and texture that has a life of its own and a simple decoration just rising to the surface in bold or muted tones of iron red adding some depth and movement to the bowl. In truth, the simple yet gestural form is an apt canvas for Yamada's classic Shino glaze that is fat and full adding a pinch to the volume of the pot where its motion and posture are enjoyable all on their own. This is a large, robust bowl, a handful if you will that has a good, considered lip and a kodai that speaks to the fact that the potter is rather practiced on this features. Putting these details together narrates the character and presentation of the chawan which though simple is like many other pots, nothing short of complex  getting all the pieces to work together in near perfect harmony.