Oribe Kezuri-otoshi Carved Rice Bowl

An Oribe rice bowl made by Kazufumi Wada, the fourth-generation potter at Keizan kiln in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture. The surface of each vessel, shaped on the wheel, is carved and finished by hand, one piece at a time. It comes in two sizes, small and large. Its simple, quiet presence settles easily into the everyday table.

The glaze is the Oribe glaze that has long been the foundation of Keizan kiln. Built on green, it develops variations in depth and pools depending on how the glaze settles, casting deep shadows along the straight and curved lines of the carving.

Wada selects and blends the clay and glaze himself. After shaping the form on the wheel, he uses carving knives and metal blades to shave away the surface little by little. It is work that demands concentration, skill, and time.

Even with the same clay, technique, and glaze, the finished colors differ from piece to piece. Variations in glaze density, pooling, drips, uneven color, and iron speckles are individual characteristics born within the kiln. Small marks and slight warping are likewise not defects, and do not affect use.

The uneven beauty of the carved surface cannot be reproduced by machine. It follows the fingers and holds steadily with a pleasing weight. What is made by hand sits well in the hand. This is a bowl whose character deepens the more it is used.