Tsubo-Jar / Bizen / Bizen / Isezaki Mitsuru
1970s Bizen Tsubo-Jar by Isezaki Mitsuru
In the average kitchen in medieval Japan there were three essential ceramic items known as Sanshu no Shinki (three treasured wares, a pun on Sanshu no Jingi, the three treasures of the Imperial Family). The three items were the large wide-mouthed vat (kame), the smaller narrow-necked jar (tsubo) and the mortar or grating bowl (suribachi). These three are no longer the necessity they used to be but then again maybe they are. To live with such simple and deep beauty amongst the IT revolution is a grounding element. It helps us to reflect on the gifts of nature and life itself. Here is a fine Bizen tsubo by the late, great Isezaki Mitsuru(1934-2011). Isezaki was a mentor of sorts to Robert in the 80s, opening up and sharing his house and tea. The 'planet' here is unglazed and all the colors come from the rice paddy clay and pine ash, the top is a fuse-yaki firing where a bowl was placed over the top and rice straw was placed within and burned off in the hidasuki lines. A very shibui and classic work in perfect condition with a signed box, 31.7cm.tall and 33cm.across, signed on base, circa 1974.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
