{"product_id":"p7856","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by the world-renowned master and holder of intangible cultural property, Zenji Uragami, who received numerous honors during his career.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIncluded is a ceramic history document dated up to the year 2000, suggesting this piece was created during the latter years of Uragami's life.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt features the signature blue Bizen-style firing through strong reduction—a specialty of Zenji Uragami and his son, Mitsuhiro—giving the bluish-gray clay body a chic, sophisticated atmosphere.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe hidasuki (fire-cord) markings have shifted to a deep, rich black due to the strong reduction firing, creating a dramatic, ray-of-light effect against the bluish-gray surface.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece boasts a unique mortar-shaped design with a distinctively molded rim, with touches of the master's playfulness found throughout, such as the comb-pattern markings on the interior and the robust foot.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused item that was carefully stored after being purchased new.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.9cm × 7.6cm × Height 3.4cm\n\nZenji Uragami (1914–2006) was born in Inbe and began his path in ceramics under the tutelage of Shunko Nishimura.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1935, he became a student of Japan Art Academy member Seibo Kitamura to study sculpture, and also studied wood carving under Shin Naito, and sketching under Saburo Okada and Sakujiro Okubo.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was highly skilled in creating life-like animal figurines, bronze statues, and ceramic murals based on realism.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis major works include the ceramic mural at Okayama Airport, the ceramic plaque of Grandmaster Oyama at the Kurashiki City Art Museum, the bust of Toyo Kaneshige at the Bizen Pottery Museum, and the ceramic statue of Kojima Takanori in Tsuyama City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1973, his ox figurine won a gold medal at the Le Salon 300th Anniversary Exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn the same year, he was designated a holder of the Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in March 2006.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAwards and honors include: Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award, Miki Memorial Award, France's Marc Chagall Honorary Award, Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays, Grand Prix at the Salon de Paris, and many others; Member of the Prefectural Art Exhibition judging committee.","brand":"浦上善次","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618211811425,"sku":"7856","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7856.jpg?v=1790233370","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7856","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}