POTTER AND FLAME

Illustrated is a rather traditional Echizen hanaire by Nishiura Takeshi, far more conservative than his hekisha-yu blue sand pieces and showing a far more feudal appearance and austere presence. The form of this vase seems like it could be from Shigaraki, Iga or Bizen but I think it is the surface that really gives it that Echizen flavor where the rich iron clay has flashed over to a deep, almost crimson hue that has melted a bit and has become quite wet in appearance. The firing has deposited a nice layer of ash to the upper portion of the vase which during the firing has turned to liquid and run down the pot aiding in creating the distinct illusion of verticality. All of the surface effects add to the rugged, sturdy form bult for use while being finessed by potter and flame to create a classic Echizen vessel that shows Nishiura’s ability to move back and forth between the traditional and the modern voice he has given to his pottery. Though this would appear to be quite a distance from his later, unique pottery, the strength and vitality of his work is written across the form and surface on this hanaire acting as its own signature of the work of Nishiura Takeshi and no other.