{"product_id":"p8055","title":"Bizen Mitsuishi Mug","description":"This is a new Bizen Mitsuishi mug by Sohei Takashima, who made a spectacular debut after completing his apprenticeship at the studio of Jun Isezaki and winning the Japan Ceramic Society’s Modern Ceramic Art Encouragement Award.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis mug was crafted by Takashima, who studied under the fifth Living National Treasure for Bizen ware, Jun Isezaki, before establishing his own studio in Ushimado, Setouchi City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMade by mixing pyrophyllite from the Mitsuishi district in eastern Bizen with Bizen clay, the work features a white surface that resembles unfired clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe finely crushed local Mitsuishi pyrophyllite gives the piece a very smooth texture that matches its porcelain-like appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to the nature of the clay, the piece is designed to \"mature\" significantly with use; as tea or coffee gently permeates the surface, it takes on a warm, earthy tone as if it were being fired again.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist has completely removed any sense of artifice to suit the clay’s properties and color, resulting in a magnificent, simple, and quiet design that perfectly complements its clean aesthetic.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 11.9cm x 8.4cm x Height 7.4cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n*Please note that a shipping fee of 800 yen will be charged.\n\nSohei Takashima was born in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, in 1991.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter graduating from the Department of Design at Dohto University in 2014, he began his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is currently working independently in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis accolades include receiving the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Encouragement Award, the Japan Ceramic Society Modern Ceramic Art Encouragement Award, and being selected for the Tabe Museum's \"Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition,\" the Tobi Exhibition, and the Modern Tea Ceramics Exhibition.","brand":"高島聡平","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618236026977,"sku":"8055","price":4400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8055.jpg?v=1790233686","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8055","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}