Ishiguro Koko was not as famous as the three generations of potters named Inoue Ryosa, but his work stood out among the wares produced in the Sumi Gawa workshop. KoKo sculpted really life like figures on this piece - they are in motion, climbing, gesturing, reaching out to one another. The figures have whimsical faces, each figure is different, one is laughing, one frowning, and one looks rather lost and desperate. It is quite a departure from the earlier works that are static. By not using the signature red slip, the sculpture/pot looks more alive. In my eye, it is a fresher approach. The shape of the pot is also unusual for Sumida wares. The buff color clay is glazed only at the top portion with the signature blue, beige and black mottled glaze.. It was made on the potter's wheel and the potter's name is on a white square cartouche in underglaze blue ink.
This object was de-accessed from a museum in New York state, hence the inventory number.
Dating: 1930's
Dimensions: 12 inches x 10.5 inches x 9 inches high
Condition: Good antique condition with minor flaws due to handling, but no visible breaks