{"product_id":"p5966","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Mamoru Taku, a clay enthusiast recognized by himself and others alike, who continues his endless journey of research.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis sake cup uses clay from different strata within the same geological layer, with the iron-rich layer used as a slip (nuri-tsuchi).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe slip reacts sensitively to the ash (goma), forming what is known as the \"old Bizen Ibe-te\" style landscape, with a finish reminiscent of Ibe-te clay, featuring vivid yellow ash and slip colors akin to iron glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn other areas, the interaction between the slip and the ash creates a melting, purple-hued earthen texture, successfully producing a weathered finish that also enhances the tactile experience of use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot (kodai) is crafted with a significantly reduced amount of slip, allowing the true character of the clay body to emerge, enabling one to enjoy the foot in a manner similar to \"tsuchimise\" (showing the raw clay).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe generously applied yellow ash cascades into the interior, forming shapes like flickering flames, where the overwhelming mass of ash highlights the clarity of the sake, evoking a scene of a clear stream flowing over a rocky surface.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm x 7.0cm x Height 4.4cm\n\nMamoru Taku was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1952.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe studied the basics of ceramic techniques at the Bizen Pottery Center, and from 1980, he refined his skills as an apprentice to Takaaki Kimura.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1983, he built an ascending kiln in the former Saeki-cho, Wake-gun, and became an independent artist with his first kiln firing in November.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he relocated his studio to Takebe-cho and built a semi-underground anagama kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe specializes in the study of clay and creates a wide range of works including sake vessels, flower vases, and tea utensils, with a focus on hi-dasuki (fire-cord) patterns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has had numerous works selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the China International Ceramics Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, and the Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition.","brand":"多久 守","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618019364961,"sku":"5966","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5966.jpg?v=1790231177","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5966","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}