This print shows a mizusashi or water basin commonly used in the tea ceremony. Joel says: "Ishihaze" is a term used by potters to denote certain types of unglazed ceramics. Literally, "stone explosion", the term accurately describes what happens when unrefined clays are used in the creation of pieces, and the embedded pebbles/small bits of stone react/burst at different temperature rates during the firing process. This leads to the battle-worn rustic effects one sees in these very organic looking, bursting forth-from-nature-itself type pieces which I have a soft spot for. Adding to the overall effect is the mysterious contrast of the deep black lacquer lid...the lid's laser-like purity perfectly complementing the rough-hewn textures of the pottery itself.