Bizen Beermag

This beer mug is by Shusaku Taku, an artist who shapes his work using the inspirations of daily life as his "yeast," while honoring the Bizen ware tradition that has matured alongside the continuous activities of people throughout history. This stylish beer vessel is hand-thrown on a potter's wheel and finished with carved accents created by a spatula. It has a slightly thick, solid feel in the hand, with the texture of the carved sections providing a pleasant tactile presence. The rim is finished perfectly flat, which complements the oval silhouette of the mug. The ocher, lustrous surface created by the reaction of iron with smoke is matched by a rich *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern, giving it the appearance of ripening fruit.

Interview with Shusaku Taku No box included
Diameter 7.4cm x 7.3cm x Height 13.2cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. He graduated from the Arita College of Ceramics in 2001 and began his apprenticeship under his father. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he won the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition. He has also had works selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Kogei Chugoku Branch Exhibition.