Hello everyone, how are you doing?
Today, as the third installment of our feature on new works by Yoshinobu Morimoto, I would like to introduce his hexagonal sake cups (rok-kaku shuhai).
Hexagonal sake cups are a highly formal style originally crafted in Kise-to (yellow Seto) or Seto Tsubaki-de wares, but by taking on this form in Bizen, Morimoto-sensei has added his own unique arrangement.
While traditional hexagonal sake cups are mold-formed, to suit the Bizen style and avoid an overly stiff, rigid appearance, he shapes them on a potter's wheel and then deforms them to add a soft, rounded quality to the overall form.
This adds a withered, weathered aesthetic and a sense of decaying, oscillating beauty to the elegant hexagonal shape, resulting in a piece that carries a unique atmosphere, much like vintage denim.
Because it is hexagonal, there is the pleasure of enjoying the beauty of its faces.
The Ibe piece features a wonderful, indescribable landscape created by the dripping yellow goma ash glaze.
The faces of the Hidasuki (fire-cord) piece are also refined, with the Hidasuki scorch marks and iron bleeding on the slightly rugged surface being truly irresistible.
Morimoto-sensei focuses on the softness when viewed from above, with careful thought put into ensuring it does not become too stiff.
The Hidasuki piece also possesses a pleasing irregularity, which, combined with the fine textures of the surface, gives it a truly weathered charm.
What did you think of Yoshinobu Morimoto's new hexagonal sake cups?
I believe Morimoto-sensei is exceptionally skilled at creating a "vintage feel" by combining elegance with a withered, rustic austerity.
Wabi-sabi and pristine beauty are blended in an exquisite balance to create a certain allure, making it truly fascinating how they can appear at once like dazzling modern works with beautiful curves, or like pieces from hundreds of years ago with a withered, fragrant air.
(Yoshinobu Morimoto / Hexagonal Sake Cup)
Left: Ibe size: 6.7cm diameter × 6.3cm diameter × 5.0cm height price: Sold)
Right: Hidasuki size: 7.5cm diameter × 6.8cm diameter × 4.8cm height price: Sold)
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