Black Bizen Tokkuri

This is a new black Bizen sake flask by Kazuhiro Mori, who honed his craft by participating in numerous large-kiln projects as the eldest son of the Bizen prodigy, Togaku Mori. This piece was fired in the 20-meter kiln, one of three located in Ushimado. Applying the principles of Madara Karatsu (spotted Karatsu), white glaze flows down over yellow sesame ash (Goma), creating an incredibly mystical landscape. The piece is fired so thoroughly that the sesame ash is heavy enough to almost obscure the black clay slip underneath. These elements blend with the black surface, creating a "seeping" Goma effect that recalls the profound, weathered texture of ancient Bizen ware. Using the coiling method, it has been crafted as thin and light as possible, resulting in a piece that, while similar in size to an imo-tokkuri (potato-shaped flask), is surprisingly lightweight. The overall surface has a smooth, matte finish due to the yellow Goma, making it a highly practical piece alongside its exceptionally light form. Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for shipping).
Rim 3.6cm x Body diameter 9.8cm x Body diameter 9.7cm x Height 15.6cm; Capacity approx. 650cc Kazuhiro Mori was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1966 as the eldest son of Togaku Mori. He graduated from the Kyoto College of Art in 1987 and the Tokyo Glass Art Institute in 1991. In 1992, he began studying pottery techniques under Togaku Mori. He specializes in hand-coiled wheel-formed pottery, producing items such as crane-neck flower vases. He set up his own kiln and became independent in 1995. He was selected for the Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition in 1998, and held debut exhibitions at department stores in Okayama and Hiroshima in 1999 and 2000. In 2002, he exhibited at the first Gakuen-kai Exhibition by the Togaku Mori school. He participated in the large kiln project under Togaku Mori, and in 2015, took part in the first firing of the new 85-meter kiln in Sabu.