BIzen 22cm H Vase 2501
This artwork is Japan’s oldest pottery making technique, introduced in the Heian period. Bizen clay bodies have a high iron content, and traditionally, much organic matter that is unreceptive to glazing. The clay can take many forms.
The surface treatments of Bizen wares are entirely dependent on yohen, or “kiln accidents”. Pine ash produces goma, or “sesame seed” glaze spotting. Rice straw wrapped around pieces creates red and brown scorch marks. The placement of pieces in a kiln causes them to be fired under different conditions, with a remarkably wide variety of different results.
