Large Ceramic Shallow Bowl with Brilliant Blue Glaze by Toshiko Takaezu

Details

Description

A glazed ceramic shallow bowl circa 1960s made by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011), whose work … Read more A glazed ceramic shallow bowl circa 1960s made by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011), whose work was heavily influenced by the Japanese ceramic tradition, aesthetics and philosophy. The relatively large hand-built bowl is partially covered with a mottled black glaze infused with an iron brown color and partially covered with a brilliant cobalt blue. The glaze pattern reflects the hallmark style by the artist with a free-flowing and hand-brushing effect, with the contrasting colors interacting with each other with random incursions on both the interior and exterior. Inside of the bowl, circular brush marks playfully overlay with the wheeler grooves, creating quite a pleasant imagery like an abstract painting. In the center, a patch of blue peeks out like a mysterious echo only in color and form. The bowl is a great example of the artist's work that reflects the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi where perfection is achieved through imperfection. When one meditates on the glaze effect, it also has a quiet but playful ambience to it. The base is glazed and carved with the artist's insignia.
The artist used this particular shade of blue in a series of small pieces such as pots, bowls and plates around 1960s. This bowl was possibly made in that period. See plate 25, 37, 38 and fig 13 in the book "Toshiko Takaezu Worlds Within Noguchi Yale"
The bowl is a from a private collection in New York City. See less