Tall Vase Entitled “Bachi” (spatula-shaped plectrum for a samisen)

Artist YASUHISA Kohyama (Japanese, born 1936)

Dateafter 1950

Mediumunglazed stoneware of Shigaraki clay

Dimensions19.25 x 7 x 6.5 in

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineStoddard Acquisition Fund

Terms

Object number2011.3

Label TextKohyama Yasuhisa is inspired by unglazed, high-fired Japanese storage vessels produced during the 14th through 16th centuries, and by earthenware of the Jomon Period (ca. 14,000 B.C.-300 B.C.). His works express a similar strength and energy, blended with a modern sensibility. Kohyama has been especially influenced by Shigaraki ware, produced in his native village Shigaraki outside Kyoto. In 1968, believing that a wood-fired kiln was necessary to reawaken the spirit of Shigaraki ware, Kohyama became the first potter since medieval times to build an anagama (tunnel kiln with a single chamber). Kohyama fashions special steel wire-cutting implements in order to work with the coarse local clay. He builds a well-structured form by coiling clay or by combining large, shaped clay blocks; when the vessel has firmed up, the surfaces are faceted. Kohyama fires his works for about 6-7 days at temperatures of more than 2370ºF (1300ºC). The grainy, feldspar-flecked Shigaraki clay turns a warm orange-brown in the kiln. To achieve nuanced and textured surfaces, Kohyama controls the reduction atmosphere and monitors a very slow heat increase. To add matte, grayish sharkskin-textured surface areas, Kohyama often re-fires his works two to four times.

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