[Square plate] c. late 20th century

This square plate was made by Shimaoka Ryūta, sometime around now. Ryūta probably put a lot of thought into this plate. I imagine him considering the texture, the way the glaze would crack, and the tension between control and chance. Look at how those creamy-white strokes weave across the surface! They're not quite waves, not quite zigzags, but something in between – each one a little different, a little off. You get the feeling of movement, like a flock of birds turning in the sky, or the artist’s hand repeating a gesture, searching for the right form. It reminds me of the work of other ceramicists, those who embrace imperfection and find beauty in the unpredictable nature of the medium. For me, the act of painting and glazing is a conversation between the artist, the materials, and the history of art, all wrapped up in one object. Each artist building on what came before, challenging conventions, and opening up new ways of seeing.