(Lattice-edge Bowl) c. 20th century

This lattice-edge bowl was made by Ōtani Shirō with clay, but I don’t know exactly when. What really strikes me is how the repetitive geometric pattern creates a rhythm. It’s almost like a woven textile, translated into three dimensions. The clay has a warm, earthy tone, a kind of reddish-brown, that feels both rustic and refined. You can almost feel the artist's hands shaping the clay, cutting out those little diamond shapes. Look closely at the rim of the bowl and you can see these subtle variations in the color and texture. It's this evidence of the artist's process that really brings the piece to life. I think of Eva Hesse, who also explored repetition and texture, but with softer materials. Ultimately, art isn’t about perfection. It's about the conversation between the artist, the material, and, eventually, the viewer.