Saturday, May 22, 2010

Daigoro Dragons


A few weeks ago I wrote that I had been out to see the good folks at Daigoro Gama in Okawachiyama, Imari. I recently noticed that Dave has been adding more of their products on the Secret Kilns site and man do they look good.

I marvel at the thought and attention to detail that is put into every piece. This dragon is a great example. Sure, the dragon is as impressive as it is foreboding, but look closely at the porcelain waves jetting up from underneath. What an exquisite marriage of design and motion.

The Daigoro kiln produces so much impressive ceramics, but I think it is their dragons that set them apart for me. If you have a look at the vases in the Secret Kiln shop, you can see what is probably my favorite Daigoro piece, an unbelievably detailed vase featuring two fierce dragons. Love it!

Mark

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sun Sun Sun ... Here it comes

Well we had our first rainless Monday since some time the Regan administration. The weather here in Arita was quite beautiful in fact. Never mind that it rained all day today (Tuesday), I'm just happy to have that nasty streak over.

It was a good weekend. On Saturday Dave and a few other friends came over for an evening of sumo, stories, poker and a VERY late night mountain top BBQ.

Sunday was the "undokai" (Sports Festival) at the Jr. High just down the road. While I, thankfully, have yet to generate offspring, it's a fun morning. Lot's of, screaming, not quite synced katas and neighborhood pride. Excited kids everywhere and half the town watching them.

After that I went to a wine tasting that ensured that I said "sayonara" to the weekend in style.

Mark