Illustrated is a classic Yohen-Shino henko by Matsuzaki
Ken. Sturdy, solid and solitary this bottle has a vivid surface composed of
iridescent Yohen-Shino anchored by areas of thick, pure white, swiped Shino making
for a vivid landscape and vivid visual ride around the sides. As you can see
there are areas of iron and ash punctuations about the surface with the shoulder
and neck receiving some wonderful ash from the firing adding an additional
dimension to the piece. With each application of glaze, layered to create depth
and distinction, this work all carves out its own unique niche within the Mashiko
traditions. Though Matsuzaki Ken makes
a wide variety of these simple henko forms, at the end of the day they are
anything but simple, the form has been carefully considered to allow the
surface treatment and firing to maximize the piece, a canvas for the varying
landscape of ash and glaze. Though there may be a multitude of these form in
several sizes and surfaces, each presents it own unique story, narrating the
voice of a potter who spent extra years with his master in an effort to break
free of his weighty influence, clearly at this is task, Matsuzaki Ken has
excelled.
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