Bizen Guinomi

This Bizen sake cup showcases the polished ceramic techniques of veteran Bizen artist Shoji Takahara, who studied under masters Yozan Isezaki and Furo Ishii. While renowned for his sculptural works, this veteran artist also demonstrates a masterful grasp of wheel-thrown pieces fired in an anagama kiln. The slightly thick construction, crafted from *ta-tsuchi* (rice field clay), offers a satisfying weight in the palm that will delight any connoisseur of Bizen sake cups or Japanese sake. The moistly fired *yohen* (kiln change) features a magnificent *nuke* (clear fire-marked area) on the front, where the brilliant red clay body shimmers like a hazy moon. The interior displays a slightly lighter orange-toned clay, a beautiful hue that brings pleasure to the user. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.6cm x Diameter 6.0cm x Height 5.7cm Shoji Takahara began his path in ceramics in 1958, studying under Intangible Cultural Property holder Yozan Isezaki, where he mastered ceramic sculpture. In 1962, he went on to learn wheel-throwing techniques from Intangible Cultural Property holder Furo Ishii. He built his own kiln and became an independent artist in 1965. In 1967, he received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Chugoku Branch Exhibition. He traveled to the United States in 1981 to study ceramics and broaden his perspective, and in 1987, his magnificent pedestal bowl was acquired by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Frankfurt, West Germany. He passed away in 2000.