Q Tani: Uzukumaru

Uzukumaru by Shigaraki ceramic artist Q Tani.

Uzukumaru is a traditional Japanese jar form whose name literally means “to crouch.” With its compact, rounded body and small opening, the form has long been appreciated in chanoyu and is often used as a flower vessel.

This flower vessel brings together many of the characteristic qualities of Shigaraki ware: scattered grains of feldspar, reddish-brown hi-iro fire color, areas of scorching, dry yellow to yellow-green surfaces formed by natural ash glaze, and small bursts caused by stones within the clay.
Its asymmetrical form, built by coiling, and its irregularly distorted mouth are particularly distinctive.
The body swells powerfully outward from the lower half, forming a full and vigorous curve that suggests a union of masculine and feminine qualities.
When used as a flower vessel in a tea setting, placing the scarlet-toned surface toward the front may complement the flowers especially well. There is, however, no fixed front. Each change of orientation transforms the vessel’s expression, and unexpected landscapes emerge through shifts in the relationship between the viewer and the viewed. It is a deeply sculptural ceramic work, with something of the presence of an extremely abstracted divine figure.
The vessel is watertight and can be filled with water for use.

Ø 170 mm
Opening Ø 45 mm
H 190 mm
Accessories | Original wooden box