Tokkuri - Sake Bottle

This Tokkuri was given to us by Fujii Sensei to use as part of the votive offerings made to the Kiln Gods when we fired our large anagama. I understand that the kanji writing represents "Uma" or "Horse" but is written in reverse. A good luck symbol for kiln firings.

Basket with Pomegranate

This Japanese basket together with three pomegranates and some fern makes a lovely arrangement for autumn. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Red Bird Bottle

This is a very early piece of mine copying the Bernard Leach shape on the dust jacket of his book. The pot has been dipped into a saturated iron glaze, the birds painted in wax resist then the pot re-dipped into an ash glaze. It is slab built - not molded which is quite a challenge to be sure all the joints are sealed.

Pomegranate

Another lovely piece of autumn colour. This year there are not so many fruits which is a pity as I like to use them as decoration in my display room. They are nice to eat as well.

Persimmon Leaves

These are by far the most colourful leaves on my trees at the moment. Other trees are colouring but this persimmon has not set any fruit and seems to be set on winter coming early. My other persimmon is laden with fruit and has not started to colour at all. They are both the astringent variety but the birds love them.

Ring Bottle

This lovely Ring Bottle was made by Estelle from a dark clay and fired in our anagama.
Although the fine fern fronds do not show very well in the photograph this container can be easily arranged and looks particularly good against a light coloured wall. It is shown here against the glass in our display room.

Bamboo

This picture is of a supposedly large bamboo in my garden. It is contained in a concrete surround otherwise it would take over the property. The leaf shapes and stems are always interesting and remind me of the very tall giant bamboos we saw in Japan. I'm glad this one has not grown so large.