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One of our favorite 'white-slip powder' potters is Takahashi Samon(b.1948). Kohiki and kofuki are two terms often used to describe 'white-slip powder' wares yet Takahashi prefers to call his pottery kofuki and not kohiki. Kohiki gets its name from the soft powdery feel of the slip that looks like it's been blown on across the surface. Takahashi doesn't think this name and feeling suits his work. For him the distinctive feel in his work comes from the inside, born out of the clay so to speak and his alchemist-like glazes; it's not a superficial thing. Takahashi explained to me that kofuki means to be born from within, while, as mentioned above, the term kohiki only scratches the surface. Both terms are fine for white slip wares and are found in Kato Tokuro's massive ceramic dictionary. Takahashi recently fired again and we selected some works, including quite a few fine kogo and guinomi, and here's one of the most unique gourd vases in Japan today. The zogan-like facade calls to mind many motifs including the famous turtle shell. As I've written before, there is a mystical aura about Takahashi's best works. In perfect condition with a signed box, 28.5cm.tall,signed on base.
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