While Tasuku Mitsufuji takes inspiration from ancient and dynastic Chinese and Korean ceramics, he also looks closely to the earliest native Japanese ceramics such as those from the Jomon period. While the combed surface on this tsubo may recall eponymous Jomon “rope-pattern” pots, they just as easily bring to mind the pots of mingei Living National Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka.

This tsubo’s clay body looks like a combination of stoneware and porcelain which Mitsufuji then covered in a simple ash glaze. The anagama wood-firing gives the surfaces a beautiful shimmering opalescence which is interrupted with bursts of iron oxide. They drip down the side, running into and highlighting the surface’s combed texture.

Mitsufuji’s sources span millennia but his unique combination gives a completely Japanese character. There is a timeless quality to his rugged and natural combed surface and dripping glaze. But the delicately carved rim and ears are refined, and the proportions perfect. The end result is Mitsufuji’s distinctive atmosphere that is both rustic and elegant.

Comes with the signed, stamped, and titled wood box, stamped wrapping cloth, and CV.