We were introduced to Shinano Chazan pots by Peter Tea about 18 months ago. Peter was making a trip back to the US from his apprenticeship in Nagoya, Japan and brought numerous small pots with him. One of them KJ liked so much we acquired it for our collection. On his trip again this September, he brought another one and we thought it would be a good idea to have a pair of them.

Shinano Chazan

Shinano Chazan
This was the first pot we acquired. It had seen some use in the garden but hasn’t quite developed the patina you hope for in an old pot. This doesn’t reduce its value to us but we do love a good old patina. Both sides of the pot have scenes of people sitting down and talking. You can see an enlarged version of the photo by clicking them.
The next pot was heavily used for many years.

Shinano Chazan
A similar scene to the first pot. One immediately notices the heavy patina on this pot. The finish of the pot doesn’t include a clear over glaze therefore the pot has the opportunity to build this fine old age patina while sitting outdoors. How many years and waterings do you think it took to build this patina?

Shinano Chazan
At first when we turned the pot to this side, we thought the glaze was peeling off. However, upon further inspection we discovered that Chazan had etched a tree into the pot. A nice touch indeed. As we are observing this side of the pot we also noticed how the patina almost forms a mountain behind the tree. Note the distinctive slope on both sides with a bit of “sky” to the left and right of the mountain.
Perhaps we have been staring at the pot too long!
Peter also acquired a Chazan that would be great for a small suiban but unfortunately we don’t have a photograph of it. Perhaps Peter will post on this beautiful pot some day.