I am presenting five pieces of personally selected Vietnamese ceramics. These pieces show the genuine dignity of the Vietnamese potters. The clay, the potters, and the timing of firing all melted together manifesting as these beautiful forms.

The first piece is a large round water jar (mizusashi) of linen-pressed design with an unexpected olive brown over three-quarters of the body. The second, a small, charming, dripping green glaze pot with a slightly off everted rim, brings to mind the open mouth of a goldfish. Both pieces are strongly influenced by the Japanese WABI (humble or rustic feeling) aesthetic. Both date approximately between the 2nd-4th centuries.

The third piece is a celadon bowl with crackle glaze, which reminded me of the Korean celadon. The tapered lower body with beautifully carved lotus petals on the exterior. The interior is softly carved with one lotus flower. An exceedingly simple, potted ivory glazed bowl with lotus fluting on the exterior and glazed on the interior with five spurmarks is the fouth piece. It’s interesting to note that the number five represents creativity in numerology. An ivory green glaze, covered rice jar with lobed sides, five handles, intricately carved dated approximately the 11th-13th centuries.

Richard Gien, New York
20 March to March 20 April.
By private appointment only
Tel/fax 212 633 2106
http://www.rgien.com

Please note that covered rice jar with lotus petals and celadon bowl with crackle glaze were sold during the exhibition.