SANCAI-HENKO

Illustrated is a rather old photo of a classic Kawai school pot, a sancai-henko by Kawai Hisashi one of Kanjiro’s last pupils. Created in a multi-part press mold, this henko is larger than most of Hisashi’s work and is glazed over in a fine, clear glaze covered in fine crackle crazing. Once glazed, this had three separate glazes splashed or ladled over; one using chrome, one using iron and one using copper. I have seen a number of this form and even several in this sancai style decoration and this remains one of my favorites by Kawai Hisashi.  There is really little else I can say other than this henko would seem to be the perfect collection of Kanjiro styling, simple, spontaneous glazing and a well-conceived and functional form and that is just about all one can ask for let alone expect.