Yōhen Haikaburi Tsubo Jar by Wada Hiroaki

Description

Haikaburi means literally "ash covered."  It is a technique which involves placing pots closest to the ash pit of the kiln so that, as more wood is burned, ash builds up around the pot and fuses with the clay body.  With a failure rate of well over 70 percent, haikaburi is very hit-and-miss, but pots that can survive the grueling conditions inside the pit display an unrefined energy like no other type of ceramic.

This yōhen haikaburi tsubo jar by Wada Hiroaki is one of those proud survivors.  It was fired at Ōizumi-gama - the Wada family's noborigama climbing kiln.  At 1,250°C (2,300°F) degrees, it was blasted with wave after wave of red pine and cedar embers, each one adding another layer of texture and color until it was nearly buried.  What arose from the ashes is a true masterpiece blessed with incidental details which could never be reproduced.

The face of the jar is a fluid collage of amber rivulets of wood ash now frozen in time, while the dark ochre side is peppered with feldspar crystals which burst from their earthen bed from the heat of the kiln.

Although traditionally used for storing tea leaves and other dry goods, tsubo also serve as vessels for flower arrangements, and this one is large enough to accommodate grand compositions of branches and long stemmed flowers.  As an interior display piece, however, it commands equal attention on its own.

A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by the artist.  Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.

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