Most of Tasuku Mitsufuji’s ceramics take inspiration from tradition forms and wares of Chinese and Korean dynasties, and often even Mino wares of the Momoyama era. But this round and slightly flattened tsubo, in a warm mauve glaze, is less traditional, definitely more modern, and even perhaps minimal.

After coating it in a copper rich glaze, Mitsufuji gas-fired the vase in a reducing atmosphere. Gas fuel being easier to control than wood, this results in a perfectly even glazed surface. For Mitsufuji, both the colour and the dusty matte finish conjure the essence of a purple grape.

Unlike a highly vitrified and glossy surface, the less reflective matte coating emphasizes the vase’s form. Its asymmetry and slight irregularities are emphasized. While the neck appears perfectly and delicately turned, the body could easily be hand-built. Or, at the very least, the round shape was hand-flattened and further altered into an organic shape that breathes. The vase’s form holds the subtlest record of being shaped by human hands.

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