Kokufu 100 - The Pots - Gyouzan
This year, my first at Kokufu, I was struck with how many Gyouzan pots there were. I guess around 25%+ of the unglazed pots in the first show were made by him.
It wasn't immediately obvious, his early and late works are diverse, but after making sure to check the labels, sure enough, his works were everywhere.
What possible reason? I assumed it was a judge / show trend, but perhaps the reason is more human and poignant; in light of the death of this great master of bonsai pottery.
What more fitting a tribute could there be than this endorsement of his lifes work? The life of an artist committed with joy and a smile, dedicated to the beauty of trees in pots.
Like so many potters, his spirit emanates from the wares, as all the best do. This feels particularly true with hand made pots. The attributes that define his work, in my opinion, are technical skill first, then vigour, care and a liveliness that was rarely seen from potters before him. His work is liveliness embodied.
Go well Gyouzan, the veil of a golden era is closing behind you, and we are richer for it. Potters, pick up your clay, press the switch and light the fires of your kilns today, there's no time to lose!
Here are some of the trees in Gyouzan pots at Kokufu 100.
