Takashi Suzuki 'Blue Crackle Tea Bowl III'

Dimensions - Ø 16cm × H 5.5cm

Materials - Mixture of clay and porcelain

Method - High-temperature reduction firing

Care Instructions - Hand wash only. Not suitable for dishwasher/microwave

Description

Takashi Suzuki creates sublime yet functional works of art using cracked Celadon clay and a citrus ash glaze, which produces beautiful marks that traverse the body. His creates his glossy forms are made using a high-temperature reduction firing. A small amount of iron is added to the glaze, resulting in striking blue and grey tones throughout, bringing the materiality of the clay to life. The final colour acts as a captured expression of the depths of the sea.

The Pacific Ocean stretches out in front of Takashi’s workshop and home; the sea changing its expression every moment according to the season and the weather. Delicately capturing the fleeting essence of this, Takashi’s pottery changes its expression in different light, a marvel that results from the fine bubbles and cracks in the glaze.

Each piece is distinguished by this otherworldly crackle glaze, a finish that is incredibly smooth to the touch despite possessing an unfathomable depth. Their smooth and traditional forms uphold the beauty of the glaze, making them remarkably unique and undoubtedly derived from the same maker.   

About the Artist

Born in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Takashi Suzuki originally studied economics at university; after graduating, he joined a pottery club where he had his first experience with clay. In 2000, he became a full-time ceramicist. Having had no previous education in ceramics, Takashi says he learnt everything from books and "many of his own mistakes".

Since his first solo exhibition in 2001, Takashi has continued to show his work in several solo and group exhibitions each year.

Read more about Takashi's practice and view his full collection...