Blue gourd vase Masao Tagai

Width: 13.3cm x 13.3cm Height: 24.5cm

Celadon flower vase by Masao Tagai

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1. Overview of the work

This is an original vase with a clear celadon glaze reminiscent of the pale sky after rain, and with uneven surfaces carved into the entire body. While the smooth neck and rim maintain neat lines, the body is made up of a series of intricate facets, like a hand-hammered metalwork, and the pale blue reflects with a shimmering glow whenever it catches light. The contrast between the serenity of the celadon and the intentionally left "moving" texture enhances the presence of this unique piece.

2. Shape and glaze

The hammered surface of the body is dotted with glaze pools and features very faint ice cracks and iron spots, creating a modern interpretation of the wabi-sabi aesthetic of classical celadon.

3. Technical background

Masao Tagai, a full member of the Japan Crafts Association, is skilled in controlling thick celadon glazes, and in recent years has been creating works with the theme of "tactile celadon." In this work, in order to transfer the texture of hammered metal to a ceramic body, the piece is shaped on the potter's wheel, then hammered finely with a wooden hammer, and the surface is smoothed by scraping again before being fired at a high temperature. In order to prevent the sharpness of the hammer marks from being buried even in a thick glaze, the glaze has been improved to contain highly viscous feldspar, and a balance between melting and flowing has been pursued.

4. Historical Context

Although the beginnings of concave decoration on celadon can be seen in the "Plum Blossom Blue Carved Vase" from the Southern Song Dynasty in China, most of it is limited to carving or embossing, and full-surface hammered decoration is rare. This work combines the "hammered pattern" of metalwork with the "hammered molding" of Momoyama tea ware, giving dynamic shadows to the glassy serenity of celadon. The conflict between stillness and movement can be said to be an attempt to recreate, with a modern sensibility, the "tension between utility and beauty" pursued by wabi-cha tea.

5. Combination with floral materials

6. Points to note when viewing

Flickering Reflection <br data-end="1389" data-start="1386">When you bring a lantern or candle light close, the light reflected in the hammered surface flickers like the surface of water, transforming the quiet blue into a dynamic look.

Shadows of the glaze pool <br data-end="1460" data-start="1457">Where the glaze has accumulated thickly on the concave surface, the color becomes slightly darker, and the gradation of light and dark gives the vessel depth.

Iron Dots and Crazing <br data-end="1527" data-start="1524">Small iron dots and crazing add a touch of flair, and the more you use it, the more tea stains and flower water will seep into the piece, deepening the scenery.

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7. Conclusion

This "Celadon Vase" embodies the world of "motion in stillness" created by the clear celadon glaze and the three-dimensional texture of the hammer marks. Masao Tagai's sophisticated firing control and sculptural approach have resulted in a piece with a rare tactile appeal in classical celadon. Please enjoy watching it change over the years as it reflects the light and shadows while catching a flower in each season.