Bizen Sake Cup

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Shusaku Taku, an artist who shapes his works by fermenting the various inspirations of daily life, drawing from the Bizen ware tradition that has matured alongside the continuous activities of people over generations. This new work was fired jointly in the kiln of his father, Mamoru Taku, located in Takebe-cho. One can feel the deliberate, time-consuming hand-coiling technique used to create this piece, which delights the skin with its well-balanced weight and the texture of clay and "goma" (ash glaze) in the palm of the hand. With a form reminiscent of a tea bowl, its charm lies in the sense of unity it creates with the palm, thanks to the meticulous craftsmanship of the rim and the carefully raised body. Featuring an improved clay composition compared to previous works, this piece makes a deep impression with its brighter and clearer *hi-dasuki* (fire-cord) markings, while the elegant, old-Bizen-style *goma-hi-dasuki* exudes great refinement. The *goma* that drifted down like powdered snow inside the kiln has gathered at the bottom of the interior, creating a contrast with the scarlet color that is so beautiful it makes one want to gaze at it forever. Signed wooden box (two-way braced)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.6cm x Height 6.1cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. In 2001, he graduated from the Arita College of Ceramics in Saga Prefecture and began his apprenticeship under his father, Mamoru Taku. 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 Art Museum Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. He has also had works selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Kogei Chugoku Branch Exhibition.