Like a number of modern Japanese potters, Ito Sekisui
V is able to draw from over three centuries of experience going back
generations in his family. Though he is able to use the technology and firing
methods from his families long history, his skill and artistry is entirely in
his own, exceptionally capable hands. In many respects though, it is this deep
well of experience that gives potters like Ito a distinct advantage and for
potters in the United States, having three hundred year old shoulders to stand on
is virtually unheard of. Ito Sekisui V, a Ningen Kokuho for this technique is
well versed in the use of the locales' native vermillion red, mumyoi clay, a fine
grained and beautiful clay. It was originally fired in such a way as to best
showcase the color and texture of the clay until Sekisui V started using the
natural yohen, kiln change techniques which created localized reduction and
"painted" the surface of the pots with varying hues of color, complimenting
the natural clay color and creating vivid, ethereal landscapes and skyscapes
not seen before. In person it is quite apparent that words can little describe
this aesthetic, the work is breathtaking and lets each viewer determine the
story that the pot has to tell.
Illustrated is a large and elegant mumyoi tsubo by Ito
Sekisui V which clearly shows the rich vermillion clay and the bands or waves
of the localized reduction that ring around the pot like some far distant
planet seen by the Hubble space telescope. The margins between the red clay
body and the grey-blue region is like the rings of Saturn displaying a number
of color gradations and hues that the photo hints at, but is best seen in
person. Though I say this quite often, this is another pot that appears quite
simple at first glance, but as you take the time to see what it has to say, you
realize it is anything but simplicity and certainly nothing that is common.
(Photo provided and used with the kind permission of a
collector.)
.JPG)