Chawan / Echizen / Kitajima Shigemitsu
Echizen Chawan by Kitajima Shigemitsu
When looking at the history of Echizen we find chawan to be sorely missing; in many Echizen books I have there are only tsubo and other assorted jars, tokkuri-vases and the famous ohaguro-tooth blackening jars. Kitajima Shigemitsu writes about this lonely state of non-chawan, 'I have a dream to re-establish Echizen as one of the major regions for pottery. So, even though there were no traditions to make tea wares in traditional Echizen-yaki, I felt one should attempt to overcome its unique history and create vessels for the Tea Ceremony. Since the day I started crafting ceramics I have been on a constant search for suitable clay for chawan. The purpose of crafting chawan was to master basic molding techniques, initially. Yet, my feelings toward it have changed since. Now, through my works, I try and pass my passionate feelings to the person who uses them. I am also trying to succeed the characteristics of traditional Echizen pottery by constructing a chawan that is simple yet warm.' Kitajima has succeeded in the four chawan we will be offering and here is the first; it has a very traditional chawan form with a fine ash-glazed firing that is crispy on the outside and heavily pooled on the inside. When serving tea the rich mikomi-pool will be hidden only to be 'discovered' as one draws to the last sip; this revelation is always a delight. In perfect condition with a signed box, 7cm.tallx14.8x13.5, stamped on base. The other three chawan are shown looking in....
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
