{"product_id":"p5972","title":"Painted Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly fired polychrome Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Anjin Abe, an artist who possesses profound insight into and a refined aesthetic sense for antique ceramics, creating one-of-a-kind works through his unique research and firing techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\nThe cup features a dragonfly, cherished since ancient times by warriors as a \"winning insect,\" painted on the front in a bold composition that makes it appear to be flying leisurely against the backdrop of a shining golden sun.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe gold leaf used in this piece is exceptionally brilliant, radiating light like polished gold and perfectly fusing the Bizen clay surface with the painterly world.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sides and interior are adorned with rich, mustard-colored \"nagare-goma\" (flowing sesame glaze), a firing effect that has long impressed fans of antique Bizen, making it a delight to view from every angle.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAdditionally, the back features a sun rendered with the primitive touch that has been one of his recent themes, creating a stunning harmony between bold coloring and intricate composition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBy using Bizen ware—traditionally established as unglazed, high-fired stoneware—as a canvas for painting, he achieves a high level of mastery in a process that demands immense structural skill and aesthetic sense. Yet, rather than simply showcasing this difficult technique, the work leaves one feeling that the piece itself, and the incidental scenery of the clay surface, are profoundly beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san, double box)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm x 6.0cm x Height 6.0cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nAnjin Abe was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1938.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAspiring to be an artist from a young age, he was active as a Western-style painter.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile working as a painter, he collected ceramics as a hobby, but finding contemporary Bizen ware lacking, he began his own pottery practice in 1972 to create works that satisfied him.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe frequently produces sake vessels, in addition to focusing on tea utensils and flower vases.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has researched antique ceramics, including Old Bizen, and his forms and firing techniques, based on his theories, have earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn recognition of his achievements, his works have been acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Palace Museum in Taiwan.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe energetically holds solo exhibitions both domestically and internationally in places such as Tokyo, Osaka, New York, Paris, and Taiwan.","brand":"安倍安人","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618698645601,"sku":"5972","price":200000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5972.jpg?v=1790240752","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5972","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}