Bizen Hidasuki Syuhai

This newly fired *hidasuki* (fire-cord) sake cup is the latest work from Yoshinobu Morimoto, an artist with a superb aesthetic sense who is constantly evolving in his approach to clay, firing, and form. This "reduced" *hidasuki*, which Morimoto-sensei calls "nukimono" (extracted pieces), truly lives up to its name, with the rich *hidasuki* patterns appearing as if they were drawn directly from the heart of the clay. Against a blue-grey clay body reminiscent of *ao-bizen*, vibrant, intense vermilion "cords" bloom across the surface as if the fire were still dwelling within the piece. Despite the lack of elaborate carving or flashy designs, a subtle interplay of movement emerges within the work, allowing one to fully appreciate the superb sculptural ability Morimoto-sensei has honed through deep research into ancient ceramics and his own ceaseless creative output. According to Morimoto-sensei, the reduced *hidasuki* technique is profoundly deep, and the clay body will only grow richer and more flavorful the more it is used. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter: 7.1cm × 6.8cm, Height: 5.5cm Yoshinobu Morimoto was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1976. He completed his studies at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1996. After working independently, he held his first solo exhibition in Tokyo in 2004. Since then, he has held annual solo exhibitions centered in Tokyo and throughout Japan. His work was selected for the "Modeling of Chanoyu" exhibition at the Tanabe Museum of Art in 2005, 2006, and 2007. In 2008, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Sake Cup Exhibition" at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi in Tokyo, and in 2009, he participated in the "Contemporary Tea Bowl Exhibition" at the same venue. In 2010, he held a special exhibition, "Yoshinobu Morimoto Exhibition," at Tenmaya in Okayama, among numerous other solo exhibitions across the country.