Bizen Hidamari

This is "Bizen Hidamari" (Bizen Sun-Drenched Spot) by Mitsu Shimamura, an artist who inherits the long-standing genre of Bizen ceramic sculptures with a unique sensibility and creativity. He captures a cat relaxing in a patch of sunlight with a truly stylish touch, showcasing an appeal that is free from conventional concepts—a trademark of Shimamura-sensei, a leader in the world of Bizen sculptures. While many today prioritize the firing process in Bizen ware, this piece returns to the origins of the craft, placing the molding first and foremost. One can see that great care was taken during the firing process to ensure the cat retains its innocent charm, keeping the "goma" (ash glaze) natural to Bizen style while ensuring it does not distract from the form. The firing itself is also designed to serve the sculpture, with the red-toned clay base and various spots of deep, glowing scarlet "hidasuki" markings naturally representing the cat's pattern. The bell on the cat's collar is actually functional as a clay bell, showing an extraordinary level of attention to detail. With signature box (shiho-san)
Width 14.8cm × Depth 14.1cm × Height to bell 5.4cm Mitsu Shimamura was born in Osafune-cho, Okayama Prefecture, in 1942. After graduating from the Department of Painting at Naniwa College, he began his pottery career as a self-taught artist. He creates sculptures using both hand-building and mold techniques. Many of his designs are based on familiar subjects such as cats, sparrows, climbing kilns, and pine firewood. He built an anagama (tunnel kiln) in Osafune-cho and became independent in 1978. In 1992, he built a climbing kiln in the Kuku-i area. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, and New York. In 2013, he was certified as a holder of Bizen ware production techniques, a designation of intangible cultural property by Bizen City. In 2019, he was recognized as a holder of Okayama Prefecture-designated Important Intangible Cultural Property.