Tetsuya Ozawa 'Black Squat Vase' (2529)

Dimensions: H 15cm x W 22cm 

Materials: Black Clay, sourced locally to the artist's hometown, Tokomame.

Method: The body of this elegant vessel is made from black clay. A traditional Japanese glaze is then applied, Chara, and 'kofuki', a dusting technique, to create his interesting and uneven surfaces. 

Care: This piece is functional, however, please note a distinct and traditional feature of these pieces is that oil and water may be absorbed slowly into the surface affecting the appearance of the vessels over time. This is an inherent part of the artist’s work. Hand wash after use.

Description: A squat, rounded vase with a narrow opening and flat rim. Thrown on the wheel, its height is reimagined in width, resulting in a broad, grounded form. Finished in Ozawa’s distinctive manner, the surface is brushed with a mixture of dark blacks and natural tones. 

About the Artist

Tetsuya Ozawa lives in Tokomame, Aichi Prefecture, an ancient centre of ceramic production. Ozawa works with black clay from Tokomame, but combines it with the traditional glaze, Chara, to create his unique style which is comparable to abstract drawing. The organic texture of his designs is enhanced by the application of white soil and results in the ‘imperfect’ appearance that Ozawa desires and which allows his ceramics to continually evolve through daily use.