Bizen Natural Nerikomi Beer Mug

Naoki Yokoyama was captivated by the mysteries of Bizen ware and studied under Fumio Kawabata. This is a Bizen Natural Nerikomi Beer Mug by the artist.

The work was created using a technique Yokoyama calls *Natural Nerikomi*. During the normal process of refining raw Bizen clay, its various components would ordinarily be blended together evenly. Instead, he deliberately leaves them partially unmixed, allowing their natural differences to remain visible in a marbled pattern.

The resulting clay surface has a remarkable sense of depth, reminiscent of fine handmade Japanese washi paper. Through this Nerikomi technique, the inherent warmth and softness of Bizen clay are brought out even more strongly.

Another distinctive quality of Natural Nerikomi comes from the forming process itself. The vessel is built up by stacking coils of clay into a cylindrical form while carefully compressing each layer. The densely compacted clay gives the piece an extraordinarily concentrated presence, almost as though it were expanding through a process of cellular division.

The firing is restrained to soft Hidasuki markings that seem to envelop the surface like a delicate veil. Because the clay itself is intended to remain the principal feature of the work, this understated kiln effect never becomes overly assertive and harmonizes beautifully with the Natural Nerikomi surface.

The distinctive form, reminiscent of a wooden beer mug from medieval Europe, is another fascinating feature. Both the firing and the design make excellent use of the unique qualities of the Natural Nerikomi technique.