Akihiko Watanabe walks a tightrope with each wood-firing. As much as he prepares for the elements, at some point he relinquishes control to the kiln’s atmosphere. Even though, he still pulls perfection out of the hands of chance.

Watanabe made this celadon vase in the classic meiping shape. The “plum vase” form dates back to the Tang dynasty, translated through the Song and Ming. Considered one of the most elegant shapes, gentle curves rise to a high shoulder and a narrow mouth. As though taking a deep breath, this vase swells with a fullness. Combined with a single stem the proportions are at the same time delicate and dramatic.

Watanabe used a a light clay body - not porcelain, but still rich in kaolin. While the celadon is white, it’s the delicate web of very fine mauve crazing that gives this vase multiple appearances. Depending on the light, the glaze can glow with pink, blue, or ivory. This tone of celadon likely resulted from the combination of clay body, glaze, kiln temperature, placement, and exposure - if any - to oxygen. The numerous combinations of elements, multiplied by various atmospheres, allow for limitless results. Then, yet still, only a limited number meet Watanabe’s standards.