Ideology:A trip to Langkawi where he encountered the ‘well-and-bucket’ system reminded Dr Iskandar of Singapore kampongs (villages) of the 1950s that relied on wells rather than pipes for water. He noted the commonalities of ‘well and bucket’ systems found in many cultures especially those with rural communities. Still, it was not merely the form of the bucket Dr Iskandar was exploring. He strove to emphasize the well-bucket’s strength as a symbol of hope and promise - capturing the anticipation of drawing water from a deep well. He has endowed the lowly bucket form with a regal posture and radiant shomen (Japanese for face). Its luminescence comes from rosy undertones and golden accents as well as textures from the crackle slip and shino glaze. Its globular body and straight neck are enriched by suana (nest-holes) and yuzuhada (mottling or stippling that resemble the skin of yuzu fruit) that are characteristic of shino glazes. The dignity of this water bucket is amplified by the height and angularity of its tall, upright handles. The splendid gnarled branch resting on the horizontal handle bar was a fortuitous find by Dr Iskandar on one of his treks. Its presence lends a layer of visual and compositional complexity to this work.
Detail of Work:Year created : 2015 Weight : 3kg Dimension : H 47 x 22.5 x 22.5 cm Technical Info:Wheel thrown High-fired at 1300ºC, reduction gas-firing Material:Stoneware (clay from Siem Reap), knarled branch Glaze:Red iron oxide, shino glaze, crackle slip Seal:1 sakura motif, c.1990s
