{"product_id":"p6712","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by the brilliant master Harada Juro, a man described as \"frighteningly talented,\" who studied antique Bizen alongside Bizen's great benefactor, Katsura Matasaburo.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece is from one of the final kilns fired by Harada at his own workshop, and the \"ito-goma\" (fine sesame) landscape created by wrapping straw around the piece in a bold manner is reminiscent of antique Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rich texture, packed with the knowledge and technique cultivated through his study of antique Bizen, is a masterpiece. The contrast between the thick, oil paint-like \"hi-dasuki\" (fire-cord) markings and the dry, matte clay surface is magnificent.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe straw wrapped around the piece appears to have been nearly sealed against the body, resulting in the aforementioned thick hi-dasuki, while at the rim, it blended with the natural ash glaze drifting in the kiln's hot air to create a wonderfully astringent, fine sesame glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe coil-built form also possesses an overwhelming sense of presence; for fans, the rustic modeling—complete with a frayed surface that incorporates small stones and spatula work that looks as if it were carved with a single stroke—is sure to be irresistible.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile it has the rock-like, outstanding presence of a stone when held in the palm, it is not overly heavy and remains well within the functional range for a sake cup.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe base features a raw, \"abata\" (pockmarked) foot; please note that while it may be slightly unstable, this does not pose a problem for daily use.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.5cm x 6.1cm x Height 6.4cm\n\nHarada Juro was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1941.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter graduating from Meiji University, he worked for a company before beginning his pottery career around 1969.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1971, he built an ana-gama (tunnel kiln), and the following year, a climbing kiln, marking the start of his full-scale pottery production.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom 1975, he studied ancient Bizen kilns and conducted research under the guidance of antique Bizen scholar Katsura Matasaburo.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1991, he built an ana-gama on Amidayama in Ushimado.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was particularly skilled at making suribachi (grinding bowls), and he created vases, tea utensils, and sake vessels primarily using the coil-building technique, with some use of the potter's wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe held solo exhibitions throughout Japan, including in Tokyo and Osaka.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1983, he held a two-person exhibition with Kenji Funaki of Fushina ware at the National Museum of Ethnology in Australia.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2000, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Award.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2002, he exhibited his work at the opening commemorative exhibition of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, and his pieces were added to their collection.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2005, his works were acquired by the New Orleans Museum of Art in the United States.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in 2024.","brand":"原田拾六","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618061045857,"sku":"6712","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6712.jpg?v=1790231769","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p6712","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}