{"product_id":"p6037","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Mamoru Taku, a master who is widely recognized as a soil enthusiast and who continues his never-ending journey of research. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt comes with a curriculum vitae of the artist up to around 2008, suggesting it was created around that time. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis sake cup is of the \"Imbe-te\" style, made using different types of soil from the same stratum, with the iron-rich layer used as a slip. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe first thing that catches the eye is the profound \"kase-goma\" (crusty ash glaze). A bluish, crusty ash glaze appears to cling firmly to the surface over a yellow base, and its color and weight are such that one can tell it is the work of Taku at a single glance. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe slip reacts sensitively to the ash, creating a scenery reminiscent of ancient Bizen Imbe pottery, allowing one to enjoy the rich, dark brown soil tone, much like iron or candy glazes. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior also features a viscous, dark brown soil tone due to the effect of the slip, with the center exhibiting crystal-like formations that make for a very interesting sake-viewing experience. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot has been crafted to strongly reflect the nature of the clay by minimizing the amount of slip, allowing you to enjoy the foot in a manner similar to \"tsuchimise\" (showing the raw clay). \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused piece that was carefully stored without being opened after being purchased new.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm × 6.8cm × Height 5.7cm\n\nMamoru Taku was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1952. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe learned the fundamentals of pottery at the Bizen Ceramic Art Center, and from 1980, he honed 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 launched his first firing in November, establishing himself as an independent artist. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he moved his studio to Takebe-cho and built a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln). \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe specializes in the study of soil and creates a wide range of works including sake vessels, flower vases, and tea utensils, with a focus on hi-dasuki (fire-cord) techniques. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has been selected for numerous exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the China International Ceramic Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, and the Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition.","brand":"多久 守","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618025361505,"sku":"6037","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6037.jpg?v=1790231233","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6037","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}