{"product_id":"p6321","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This is a Bizen sake flask by Rokuro Nakamura, a celebrated master traditional craftsman of Bizen ware who was hailed as the \"god of sake vessels.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBased on its style and other factors, this piece appears to be from Nakamura’s later years, likely created when he was between 70 and 80 years old.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInitially thrown on a potter's wheel into an orthodox *shimokabu* (turnip-shaped) form, he then slowly and carefully shaped it by hand into the *henko* (flattened) form that became the signature of \"Rokuro Bizen,\" perfecting a sake flask that truly reflects the artistry of a master of drinking vessels.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is slightly younger than his final-year designs, which resembled crushed sandbags, and is characterized by a more firm, upright stance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHalf of the vessel is adorned with a magnificent, dark *haikaburi* (ash-covered) kiln transformation. The sight of the rich, well-fired glaze turning into an even deeper, more intense shade of black when moistened with sake is simply irresistible.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe texture of the clay is also exceptional, retaining a soft, skin-like scarlet hue even after intense firing. The subtly blushed surface is perfectly suited for a sake vessel that will be well-loved and used for years to come.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nEvery aspect of its clay and construction is imbued with the charm one would expect from a master of sake vessels, making this a premium flask.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nOriginal signed box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nRim 4.0cm x Body 11.4cm x Body 10.5cm x Height 11.3cm; Capacity approx. 400cc\n\nRokuro Nakamura was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1914.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThough he worked for a company until the end of the war, he studied under the guidance of Toyo Kaneshige and mastered techniques such as kiln firing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later built his own Rokuro kiln and became independent in 1961.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1986, he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman and received the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Award that same year.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1989, he was awarded the Order of the Blue Paulownia Leaves (Seventh Class) in the spring decorations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe produced mainly sake vessels, as well as flower vases and tea utensils, with his sake vessels in particular receiving great acclaim from pottery enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in April 2004.","brand":"中村六郎","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618046857313,"sku":"6321","price":360000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6321.jpg?v=1790231435","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6321","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}