{"product_id":"p5703","title":"Bizen Ushitora","description":"This is a Bizen ox by Hikaru Shimamura, an artist who inherits the time-honored tradition of *saikumono* (ceramic ornaments) with a unique sensibility and creativity. In this piece, typical of Shimamura’s style of deconstructing and reconstructing *saikumono* with a fresh perspective, he reimagines the traditional motif of the recumbent ox with a new expression. Its perfectly round, plump body is truly adorable, and paired with a somewhat dazed expression, the result is a piece of immense charm. It is quintessential Shimamura to have successfully transformed the sense of power and gravitas traditionally associated with ox-themed ornaments into a new form of artistic expression, while still retaining the essence of the creature. The meticulous craftsmanship of the nose ring and the rope attached to it speaks to the pride of a true \"master artisan.\"\n\nSigned wooden box (shihozan) included\u003cbr\u003e\nW22.6cm × D18.0cm × H14.1cm\n\nHikaru Shimamura was born in Osafune-cho, Okayama Prefecture, in 1942. After graduating from the Painting Department of Naniwa College, he began teaching himself ceramics. He creates *saikumono* using a combination of hand-building and molding techniques. His designs often feature familiar subjects such as cats, sparrows, climbing kilns, and pine firewood. In 1978, he built an anagama (tunnel kiln) in Osafune-cho and became an independent artist. He constructed a climbing kiln in the Kugui area in 1992. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, and New York. In 2013, he was designated as a Holder of Bizen Ware Production Techniques, an Intangible Cultural Property designated by Bizen City.","brand":"島村 光","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618004881505,"sku":"5703","price":250000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5703.jpg?v=1790231019","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5703","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}