{"product_id":"p7386","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This Bizen natural-kneaded sake cup is an earlier work by Fumio Kawabata, a former graphic designer turned Bizen-ware artist known for his creative pieces that draw out the hidden potential of clay.\u003cbr\u003e\nA biography dating to around 2013 is enclosed, suggesting it was produced around that time.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece features a marble-like texture created by intentionally utilizing the natural variations in the composition of the raw clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAmong his natural-kneaded works, this piece focuses on \"yohen\" (kiln transformation), with the surface covered in a striking, crusty \"kase-goma\" ash glaze that clings to the clay body.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhere the kase-goma did not form, vivid splashes of scarlet \"hidasuki\" (fire-cord) emerge, creating a beautiful landscape reminiscent of light streaming through a window or dancing flames.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe simple form, designed not to distract from the beauty of the clay and kiln transformation, is masterfully executed, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the natural-kneaded texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused piece that was carefully stored after being purchased new.\n\nOriginal signed box (shiho-zan)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.7cm x 6.5cm x Height 6.0cm\n\nFumio Kawabata was born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1948.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe turned to Bizen pottery after being captivated by the earthy quality of Bizen ware he saw at a gallery in Tokyo in his youth.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1975, he began an apprenticeship under the prestigious Rieimon Kaneshige, one of the six traditional Bizen kilns, to study traditional Bizen techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was accepted into the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition in 1979 while still an apprentice.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1982, he established his own kiln in Kogatani, Imbe.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis first firing resulted in another selection for the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, and he was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1986.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWorking with techniques such as hand-forming and coiling, he produces a wide range of works from sculptural pieces to tableware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe brought a breath of fresh air to the world of Bizen ware with his \"Open Vessel\" series, which features hollowed-out bodies.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1990, he won the grand prize at the Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition.","brand":"川端文男","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618136313953,"sku":"7386","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7386.jpg?v=1790232635","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7386","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}