FRIDAY

                       

Illustrated is a rather exceptional Oni-Iga chawan by Tsukigata Nahiko, perfect for a Friday. This chawan is neither my pot, nor my photo but I was able to handle this bowl recently on this side of the Pacific and it has everything one could want from this technique and this potter. Awash in texture and changing effects and attitudes, the large, slightly ovoid form fills the hands and is just the perfect Oni-Iga landscape where iron, ash, slip and grit all collide and commingle to make for a perfect vessel filled with strength and a robust, challenging posture. Over the years I have seen quite a few of these bowls in print and in person and I think it is safe to say, this is heads above the rest and likely would come in at a 9.5/10. Though I suspect there is always a better one out there somewhere, I have yet to see it and I am constantly on the lookout and with any luck, I will post some of my photos of this chawan, those photos are for another day.