Flask (tokkuri) c. early 21th century

Editor: This is a sake flask, or *tokkuri*, made of stoneware, dating to the early 21st century, crafted by Hori Ichiro. The glaze gives it this intriguing textured look. What stands out to me is how humble the form and materials seem, especially in our contemporary moment. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a quiet rebellion. Within the context of globalized art and mass production, this unassuming *tokkuri* asserts the value of localized craft. Consider the tension between the artist's individual expression and the object's functionality within a social ritual, drinking sake. How does this flask challenge our understanding of art's purpose? Does it democratize art, making it accessible in everyday life? Or does it preserve an elite, esoteric culture? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn’t considered its role in challenging those structures. So, the act of creating a handmade flask, in itself, becomes a statement against mass production? Curator: Precisely! It becomes a tactile form of resistance. This *tokkuri* also invites us to question the power dynamics within the art world itself. By embracing a craft often marginalized, does the artist challenge Western-centric notions of art history? The unpretentious beauty compels a dialogue around identity, heritage and the decolonization of art. Editor: I never would have seen all of that! Thank you, I’m going to be looking at ceramics in a completely new way. Curator: And hopefully, it sparks wider conversations about what we value and whose stories get told through art.