10/11/2026
Found in a local antique store: a crock made by the Marshall company in Texas, signed by late master potter E.J. Humphries. It probably dates to the '70s or '80s.
Though collectible, it's not rare or valuable. The cost was only $15. Just a solid, hand-thrown ceramic vessel. The cobalt blue sponged decoration is a well-known style from Marshall.
At Korinji we have many wonderful Sado (tea) utensils made in Japan, thanks to our donors. But I have long thought that some styles of American ceramics, especially utilitarian crockery, could be repurposed for things like mizusashi.
So, let's try it with this one. The size and diameter of the mouth are appropriate. I'll make a lacquered black lid, and perhaps it will be useful for practice in the future!
