Bizen Hohin

This Bizen handmade hohin (teapot) by Mitsujishi Irie is crafted by hand without the use of a potter's wheel, resulting in intricate detailing and magnificent curves. The highly realistic crab finial, rendered with meticulous precision, takes on the subdued hue of Bizen clay; yet, due to its intricate detail, it creates the illusion of being the red, black, and white color of a freshwater crab. The hohin itself features a dignified construction that is quintessential to Bizen pottery, and the skill required to finish it in such a perfect circular shape without the use of measuring instruments is truly awe-inspiring. This piece offers a glimpse into the depth of what it means to be a "master craftsman," a title earned only after years of accumulated experience. (*Please note that as this is a pre-owned item, there are signs of use.) Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 11.4cm × Diameter 9.2cm × Height 7.0cm Mitsujishi Irie began his journey in ceramics in 1971, apprenticing under his father, a master craftsman. He built his own climbing kiln and became independent in 1977. He does not use a potter's wheel at all, creating his works entirely by hand, with a focus on decorative pieces. He takes particular pride in his hohin, adorning the finials with painstaking carvings of motifs such as pomegranates, dragons, lions, and Daikokuten. Furthermore, through extensive research into firing using clay found along riverbanks, he independently perfected "Pearl Bizen," which fires in shades of white and pink.