Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of Mamoru Taku, an artist who has devoted himself to the study of ancient Bizen pottery and stands out for his unique, profound aesthetic. The cup features a captivating matte black surface created using clay that turns black when fired. Its form is highly elaborate, embodying a "serenity devoid of all artifice" and the "pulsating power of the earth"—much like a raku tea bowl crafted using the coil-building technique. The surface sheen varies depending on the accumulation of *goma* (ash glaze), and the clay’s highly reactive nature promises to develop more character with each use. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.6cm × Diameter 7.3cm × Height 6.2cm Mamoru Taku graduated from the Kyushu Sangyo University Faculty of Engineering in 1984. Fascinated by traditional crafts, he entered the world of Bizen ware, learning the fundamentals at the Bizen Ceramic Center. After completing his studies, he apprenticed under Takaaki Kimura to further refine his techniques. In 1983, he built an ascending kiln in Saeki and began his career as an independent artist. In 1998, he moved his studio to Takebe and built a semi-subterranean anagama kiln. His work focuses on the expression of the clay's natural character, utilizing coil-building to create large jars, sake vessels, and vases. He also explores the *Ibe-de* style, which involves applying slip to the body before firing, and is dedicated to achieving a perfect harmony between clay, firing, and form. His work has been selected for exhibitions including the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, the China International Ceramics Exhibition, and the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition.