Sake bottle

Kei Ushigaki trained under Jun Isezaki, a Living National Treasure, and later established his own kiln in Kagoshima, a place connected to his grandfather. This is a Tokkuri by Kei Ushigaki.

Created far from Bizen, in the land of Kagoshima, this piece reflects the appeal of Bizen ware that he came to recognize anew by viewing the tradition from an outside perspective.

It was made by firing high-quality clay in the Anagama kiln he built in Kagoshima. The natural ash glaze produced through strong firing has accumulated on the surface, forming complex layers across the vessel.

The base clay surface has a dry, beige tone, which beautifully enhances the lemon-yellow natural ash glaze that has fallen over the entire piece.

In terms of form, the work firmly carries forward the style of the Isezaki lineage, while the clay left around the base appears to curl and lift, creating a stylish and distinctive design.