Blue gourd vase Masao Tagai

Width: 13.3cm x 13.3cm Height: 24.5cm

This unique vase is clad in a clear celadon glaze reminiscent of the pale sky after rain, and features carved grooves across the entire body. While the smooth neck and rim maintain a neat line, the body is covered with a series of intricate facets, almost 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 piece's presence as a unique piece.

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

history

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 this remains 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 seen as an attempt to recreate, with a modern sensibility, the "tension between utility and beauty" pursued by wabicha tea.

Viewing

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

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

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

This "Celadon Vase" embodies the world of "motion amidst stillness," woven together by the clear celadon glaze and the three-dimensional texture of the hammered finish. Thanks to Masao Tagai's sophisticated firing control and sculptural approach, this piece has a tactile appeal that is rare in classical celadon. We hope you will enjoy watching it change over the years, reflecting the light and shadows as it adorns each season.