Bizen Burgundy Clay “Nagare-Goma” Guinomi

This is a Bizen Burgundy Clay “Nagare-Goma” Guinomi by Izuru Yamamoto,
an artist who applies his background in sculpture to pursue fresh, contemporary forms
within the long tradition of Bizen aesthetics.

A career record up to 2007 is included with the piece, and the work is believed to have been made around that period.

In 1993, Yamamoto had a fateful encounter with the clay of France’s Burgundy region.
Since then, he has devoted himself to creating the “Burgundy Clay Series,”
of which this Guinomi is a fine example.

As indicated by the title Nagare-Goma,
a generous amount of goma ash has adhered across the entire surface,
producing a smooth, glass-like texture.

The clay itself has a character distinct from standard Bizen clay.
When subjected to intense firing, it responds uniquely,
allowing a natural black tone to seep up from within the clay body—
a fascinating and singular expression of the Burgundy clay.

The silky surface, combined with the balanced and refined form characteristic of Yamamoto Bizen,
creates a piece that one cannot help but want to keep turning in the palm of the hand.

This Guinomi is an unused piece, carefully preserved by the original owner after purchase.