Large Japanese Contemporary Shigaraki Tsubo with Tomobako by Shiro Tsujimura

A large stoneware tsubo (jar) made in the tradition of Shigaraki ware by celebrated Japanese potter Shiro Tsujimura (1947-). The robust jar in the ovoid form was hand-built with thick wall, and a short neck opens to an everted rimmed mouth. The slightly irregular shape is organic and visually powerful, embodying the Japanese Mingei (Folk Art) spirit. Made from local coarse sandy clay and fired in the tradition of Shigaraki ware, the unglazed surface shows a lovely orange-reddish glow with a crusty texture. The falling ash from the kiln covers part of the surface, creating random color patches and pattern. Prominent marks of "cupping" are found on the exterior. This is a signature technique the Tsujimura family developed by placing open bowls adjacent to the jar, leaving the circular marks. There are small, scattered feldspars and explosions, occurred randomly during the firing process. All these characters render the piece a strong Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, celebrated in Japanese ceramic art.
The Tsubo bears the artist's carved mark on the shoulder as shown. It comes with its original tomobako inscribed in Kanji with title (Tsubo with Natural Ash Glaze) and signed Shiro and sealed Shi.
It also comes with a custom-made wood crate that measures 25.5x25.25x28, which is included for the shipping. It is optional to take if you pick the piece up in person.
A wonderful piece full of a potter's spirit.