Large Ceremic Shigaraki Tsubo by Nagaoka Masami

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An impressive Shigaraki Tsubo (jar normally for storage) in an archaic form with a bulbous and robust body that opens … Read more An impressive Shigaraki Tsubo (jar normally for storage) in an archaic form with a bulbous and robust body that opens with a small lipped mouth. Heavily potted with substantial size and volume, this tsubo showcases an exquisite surface with dripping yellow ash glaze and darker splashed markings in patches, among other kiln firing features. The jar is a work of art from controlled accidents. The glaze drips down and manifests its colors from yellow to ochre and even to a tint of green. It mingles with the volcanic black patches. This Zen-like abstract pattern further contrasts with the beige clay with an unexpected but beautifully integrated red area. The thickly potted lip was hand cut and shaped in irregularity, an intention by the artist to create the wabi-sabi aesthetic. The exterior circle was marked with rustic geometrical patterns, which further enhances its Mingei beauty.
Masami Nagaoka (1948-2013) is a Japanese potter from Izu. Nagaoka began his study in Chiba prefecture with Kamiya Norio and set up his kiln and workshop later in Izu. He used the best clay called "kinose" to make Shigaraki ware. His work shows the distinguished characteristics of natural ash glaze (shizen-yu) and clay flavor (tsuji aji). The occasional lighter green ash color (known as "hipari dashi") was achieved by pulling the piece out of the kiln at the height of firing. This may explains the green tint on this Tsubo.
The piece comes with a wood storage box (tomobako) and a wrapping cloth. The box bears the title outside and his signature and seal inside. It also inscribed "In the mountains of Shuzenji" where the piece was made in his studio. Shuzenji is a town that forms part of Izu.
A humble and quiet potter, he is widely admired in Japan for his work. Two pieces of his ceramic are in the collection of Minneapolis Institute of Art (2013.29.1184 and 2013.29.1242). See less