{"product_id":"p8139","title":"Bizen Natural Nerikomi Cup \u0026 Saucer","description":"This Bizen-yaki cup \u0026amp; saucer is the work of Naoki Yokoyama, who was captivated by the mysteries of Bizen ware and studied under the master Fumio Kawabata.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"natural nerikomi\" (natural marbled clay) technique, this piece intentionally leaves the various components of the clay in a marbled state without blending them uniformly, which is what typically happens during the refining process of raw clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe texture of the clay has a depth reminiscent of high-quality handmade Japanese washi paper, and the warmth and softness inherent in Bizen clay are further enhanced by this marbling technique.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAnother appeal of the natural nerikomi method is that, as the piece is built up using the coil-building technique (tsutsū-zum) while firming the clay, it acquires a dense presence, as if the clay is expanding while undergoing cell division.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe finish, featuring only a faint \"hidasuki\" (fire cord) pattern that looks as if it is draped in a light, airy veil, pairs perfectly with this piece, where the clay texture remains the star of the show without becoming overly busy.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nEven the challenging handle and the saucer have been meticulously finished using this natural nerikomi technique, resulting in a cup \u0026amp; saucer of exceptionally high completion.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nCup: Diameter 11.5cm x 8.8cm x Height 6.6cm\u003cbr\u003e\nSaucer: Diameter 14.8cm x 14.3cm x Height 1.8cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n*Please note that a shipping fee of 800 yen will be automatically added at checkout.\n\nNaoki Yokoyama was born in 1970 in Osafune-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of Shusui Yokoyama.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMoved by the mystery of pottery, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center in 1991 after graduating from high school.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe following year, in 1992, he began his apprenticeship under Fumio Kawabata, and after about four years of training, he became independent in 1996.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2000, he built a climbing kiln in Kagato, Bizen City, and established himself as a professional ceramic artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nUsing the natural nerikomi technique learned from his master, he creates flower vases, tea utensils, and sake vessels.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has been selected for numerous exhibitions, including the Tanabe Museum of Art \"Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition,\" the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and its Chugoku regional branch exhibitions.","brand":"横山直樹","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49097166684257,"sku":"8139","price":9900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8139.jpg?v=1790860875","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p8139","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}