Sake cup (guinomi) c. early 21th century

Editor: Right next to us is a "Sake cup (guinomi)" from around the early 21st century, made by Tsujimura Shirō. It is earthenware. What I first notice is its beautiful imperfections; how does the texture and form strike you? Curator: Immediately, I am drawn to the asymmetrical nature of the lip and the tactile ridges encircling the body. This intentional disruption of symmetry plays a critical role. It rejects flawless industrial production. Shirō is engaging in a dialogue with form. Editor: How so? What does it communicate? Curator: It seems he is striving for an immediacy of expression. See how the earthy color variations give a sense of history? The piece privileges raw material and highlights the process of its making, it allows the clay itself to speak. Shirō manipulates texture, form, and even the absence of absolute symmetry. Editor: Do you think the slight irregularities affect the meaning, or is that overreaching? Curator: The rough edges create interest. The work seems almost like a ruin. They prompt one to consider concepts: impermanence, perhaps? By focusing on the intrinsic qualities of the piece – color, form, and texture - its material truth becomes profound. This, I feel, reflects an artistic sensibility keenly aware of wabi-sabi aesthetics. Editor: That's helpful. I appreciate seeing this through a focus on those qualities. Curator: And I was able to express the work by speaking to someone as interested in the history as you are!