{"product_id":"p5988","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Rokuro Nakamura, a master craftsman of traditional Bizen ware celebrated as the \"God of Sake Ware.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece dates to the later years of Nakamura’s career; according to his son, Makoto, it was created when the artist was in his 80s.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt features the characteristic contrast of scarlet and green hues that instantly identifies it as a Rokuro work. The scarlet, fired to a sweet, mellow finish, draws you in alongside the intensely austere green *goma* (ash glaze), making it easy to see how this cup could encourage one to drink indefinitely.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe scarlet color, which is particularly exceptional, is truly the essence of Rokuro Bizen. When the already flavorful scarlet is dampened by sake, it shifts into a mesmerizing, melting hue that radiates an irresistible allure.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite this, the piece is fired perfectly throughout. If you look past the sweet, melting scarlet at the center, you can see the rich, varied scenery typical of a climbing kiln, including greenish *goma* and scorched *koge-goma*.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rim is shaped with a gentle, undulating triangular flair, and the foot features the classic three-point indentations created by the artist’s firm grip—details that fans of Rokuro will find absolutely captivating.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe slightly constricted body, designed to appeal to sake enthusiasts, is masterfully crafted, offering a perfect, natural fit in the palm of one's hand that only a true master could achieve.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBoth the work and the storage box have been appraised by Makoto Nakamura. The piece shows signs of use but is free of any stains or damage.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.8cm x 7.7cm x Height 5.2cm\n\nRokuro Nakamura was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1914.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe worked as a company employee until the end of World War II, after which he studied under Toyo Kaneshige to master the techniques of kiln firing and pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later established his own Rokuro kiln in 1961.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1986, he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman and received the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Award in the same year.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1989, he was awarded the Order of the Blue Paulownia Leaves (7th Class) in the Spring Decorations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile he produced flower vases and tea utensils, he focused primarily on sake ware, which was highly acclaimed by pottery enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in April 2004.","brand":"中村六郎","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618020970593,"sku":"5988","price":180000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5988.jpg?v=1790231192","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5988","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}