Danny Kostyshin formed this tea bowl in the Wa-nari or circle shape and added a gently undulating rim, which not only provides a natural spot for sipping tea, but also gives a touch of “landscape” to the bowl. He threw the bowl with thick and substantial walls - it has weight in the palm - and then either gently paddled the exterior or sculpted it slightly with his hands.

Together the irregular shape and undulating rim makes this bowl feel natural and organic. The brushed shino glaze and subtle iridescence of the soda firing invites the chawan to be turned in the hand. The surface catches the light and reveals the subtle irregularities that make this bowl so interesting to hold.

Danny Kostyshin’s career is representative of British Columbia’s artist-potters who were inspired by the Mingei movement of Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. In the early to mid 1970’s, he studied ceramics with Tam Irving and Sally Michener at what would become the Emily Carr College of Art & Design. Since the 2000’s Kostyshin has found that the creation and the contemplation of ceramics, especially tea wares, brings a sense of calm and patience to daily life.

New from the artist’s studio.