YOHEN

When I first saw this mizusashi I immediately thought, well this is the absolute definition of Yohen-Hagi if I have ever seen one. The kiln atmosphere and charcoal bed have altered what one normally thinks of as Hagi into this near alien panorama that works perfectly on the form and exposed clay, presenting a landscape over varying colors and textures on a solid, sturdy form. Beyond the variations on the hagi theme, the form has a wonderfully textured black lacaquer, roiro lid that is custom fit to the slightly ovalled mouth where lid and lip work in perfect harmony with each other.     

Over the years I have seen a number of first rate Hagi pots by Sakata Keizo (1949-2004) and always what piece I will next encounter and what exotic or traditional surface and form will it be. Like the work of Sakata Deika XIII, Keizo pursued a rigid and structured path until he found his own voice within the Hagi tradition where simple pots like this mizusashi are adorned, embellished even with surfaces that help a Hagi pot stand out from the crowd. While Sakata Keizo's career was somewhat short he has left a memorable trail and addition to Hagi and as such he was honored with the title Sakata Deika just after his untimely death.