Blue gourd vase Masao Tagai

Width: 13.3cm x 13.3cm Height: 25cm

Celadon flower vase by Masao Tagai

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1. Overview of the work

This is a vase with a very modern silhouette, with large crazing running under the clear sky-blue celadon glaze. From the stable conical base to the long and slender rising body and the wide, trumpet-shaped mouth, the whole piece is enveloped in a dynamic movement, like a twisted cloth carrying the wind, creating a light rhythm in the space in which it is placed. Large ink-dyed crazing runs freely through the mirror-like smooth glaze surface, creating a wonderful harmony between the serenity of the celadon and the dynamic lines.

2. Shape and glaze

3. Production techniques and intentions

Masao Tagai, a full member of the Japan Crafts Association, continues to research thick celadon glazes and crazing. In this piece, he lightly twists the body after forming on the potter's wheel, and then fine-tunes the curves by carving, resulting in a sculpture that has a sense of flow even when the piece is still. The key to his technique is to adjust the viscosity of the glaze to be high so that it does not drip too much, to create wide cracks on the glaze surface by rapid cooling after firing, and to add ink color by boiling and dyeing, which makes the lines stand out.

4. Historical and cultural background

Trumpet-mouth vases have their origins in the "celestial sphere vase" that was first produced in the late Ming and Qing dynasties in China, but the twisting body design is an expression that has become a specialty of modern Japanese ceramics. By giving a dynamic form to the quiet material of celadon, this is a modern attempt to bridge the "quiet beauty" of Song Dynasty Longquan celadon and the "dynamic beauty" sought after by Momoyama tea ware.

5. Examples of combinations with floral materials

6. Points to note when viewing

Rhythm of the penetration lines <br data-end="1326" data-start="1323">When light is shone at an angle, the cracks are shaded, emphasizing their spiral movement.

Reflected Scenery <br data-end="1381" data-start="1378">The mirror glaze softly reflects the surroundings, and we recommend using it to project the flickering of candles during the tea ceremony.

Changes in the iron rim over time <br data-end="1444" data-start="1441">The silver-grey color of the rim will develop a darker luster with use and touch, deepening the contrast with the pale blue.

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7. Conclusion

This "Celadon Vase" is the pinnacle of modern celadon with its clear blue color, bold form, and large craze lines. Simply inserting a single seasonal flower into the vase will create a light rhythm in the space, and as the craze lines deepen over the years, a story will grow along with the vase. Please use it for a long time and enjoy the changes created by the flowers and light.