{"product_id":"p7077","title":"Bizen Blue-Glazed Sake Cup","description":"This is an earlier work of Bizen \"Aisai\" (indigo-colored) sake cup by Matsui Kōyō, who also mentored future generations as an instructor at the Bizen Pottery Center.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA pottery career biography from around 2004 is included, suggesting the piece was created around that time.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis sake cup utilizes the \"Aisai technique\"—one of Matsui's specialties, where he showcases various methods beyond standard Bizen ware by mixing cobalt into the clay before firing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA distinct characteristic of the Aisai technique, where the pigment is mixed into the clay rather than applied to the surface, is that the color changes exquisitely depending on the fire conditions the clay is exposed to. This piece exhibits a variety of shades in the areas facing the fire, the shaded areas, and where the \"goma\" (ash glaze) has adhered.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe attached goma itself appears grayish rather than yellow due to the influence of the Aisai technique, creating a chic and elegant combination with the rich, indigo-colored clay surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe gracefully undulating rim shows the kind of movement expected from Matsui, a master instructor, and it appears very easy to use, serving as a textbook example of vessel craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough it is an earlier work, there is no staining or signs of use.\n\nOriginal signed wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.2cm × 6.1cm × Height 6.2cm\n\nMatsui Kōyō was born in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in 1931.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe graduated from the Kyoto National Ceramics Research Institute in 1950.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter working at the Kumamoto Industrial Research Institute for five years, he returned to Kyoto in 1956 to study under Kiyomizu-yaki artist Morino Kako.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDuring his training in 1960, he was invited by then-Okayama Governor Yukiharu Miki to become an instructor at the Bizen City Pottery Center.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter taking the position, he focused on nurturing young artists, later resigning as director in 1978 to build his own kiln in Nishikatakami, Bizen City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1969 and was designated a holder of an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1996.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1997, his work was exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards include: Numerous accolades such as the Kaneshige Tōyō Prize, the Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award and Cultural Encouragement Award, and the Sanyo Shimbun Press Award \/ Served as a judge for the prefectural exhibition.","brand":"松井與之","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618077560929,"sku":"7077","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7077.jpg?v=1790232189","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7077","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}