{"product_id":"p6666","title":"Bizen Hidasuki Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle","description":"This is a Bizen hidaski (fire-cord) gourd-shaped sake flask by Sozan Kaneshige, a master potter beloved by many, who began his career as an assistant to his older brother, the legendary Toyo Kaneshige. \u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough Sozan began creating Bizen ware in earnest at his Maruyama kiln around the age of fifty, this particular piece was crafted later in his life at Ushigamishita, after he returned to his hometown of Imbe, and represents his signature style: hidaski fired in an electric kiln. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece was meticulously fired in a custom-made electric kiln capable of both electric and wood firing, a kiln that is known for producing the rich colors and moist clay texture that are the hallmarks of his work. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt features the soft, mugwort-colored clay texture that is the true essence of Sozan’s hidaski, possessing an elegance that feels as fragrant as it is beautiful and deep. One gets the feeling that by looking at it, touching it, and filling it with sake, one can truly understand what Bizen ware meant to Sozan. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRegarding its form, unlike his Maruyama period, which often featured more overt artifice, this piece displays calm yet powerful curves that seem to allow the clay to swell naturally, with the artist’s touch more restrained. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reality, it is said that the thickness of the clay around the waist of his flasks was calculated with precision; with its slightly shifted center of gravity and the impeccably refined finish of the base, the craftsmanship is truly perfect. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nYet, it welcomes the viewer with a gentle air, standing in such a natural state that it never feels imposing. Having reached his own unique realm without chasing the shadow of his brother or obsessing over ancient Bizen, his work can only be described as magnificent.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-zan, double-boxed) \u003cbr\u003e\nRim 2.8cm x Body diameter 9.6cm x Body diameter 9.5cm x Height 14.9cm Capacity approx. 320cc\n\nSozan Kaneshige (1909–1995) was the younger brother of Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige, and worked alongside him until around 1951. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSubsequently, he engaged in service at the Omotokyo headquarters in Kyoto, where he also studied techniques outside of Bizen pottery. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1964, he built an ascending kiln in Maruyama, Okayama City, and became independent. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1966, he perfected the technique of hidaski firing using an electric kiln. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1982, he moved his studio to Imbe and built the Ushigamishita kiln. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1983, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 1995. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor awards include the Miki Memorial Award, the Sanyo Shimbun Cultural Award, the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.","brand":"金重素山","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618059800673,"sku":"6666","price":450000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6666.jpg?v=1790231724","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6666","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}