Nezumi Shino Fresh Water Jar by Suzuki Tomio

Description

Shino pottery was first fired during the Momoyama era (1568-1603) at kilns in Minō, and its appearance marked a dramatic shift in the evolution of Japanese ceramic art.  Its distinctive pinhole texture attracted the eyes of tea ceremony practitioners of the day who soon incorporated shino-yaki into the evolving art of chanoyu tea ceremony.

To further enhance shino's tactile appeal, ceramic artist Suzuki Tomio approaches every unglazed pot as a landscape architect would an undeveloped plot of earth.  It first requires slow, thoughtful sculpting before anything is lain upon it.  As a result, his clay creations are renowned for their terraced surfaces, ridges, and winding vistas.

This nezumi shino fresh water jar, or mizusashi, is a striking example of Suzuki's unique approach to shino making.  While cooling in the kiln, the glaze shrinks tightly around the clay body to form a textured surface of pinholes and crackles.  Brushwork applied in quick, energized strokes leads viewers on a tactile voyage around the work.

Mizusashi play a central role in tea ceremony and are carefully chosen to match the aesthetic scheme the host selects for the particular occasion.  They hold the pure, cold water which is boiled and used to prepare the sacred tea.

Suzuki Tomio's shino pottery is held in private collections around the world and, in 2011, was acquired by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for display in their East Asian Art collection.

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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