Hello everyone, how are you doing?
Today, I would like to introduce the sake cups by Shusaku Taku, whose new works have arrived at our shop for the first time in a while.
Although these are new pieces, they were fired jointly in the kiln of his father, Mamoru Taku.
At Mamoru Taku's kiln in Takebe-cho, there are strict rules even for joint firings, and I am told that only pieces that would contribute to future development were selected to be placed in the kiln.
As always, I was struck by their seriousness and lack of self-indulgence regarding their pottery making.
Now, having received these fine pieces selected by Mr. Taku under such conditions, one look was enough to feel that he has accumulated tremendous training over the year since his last exhibition.
Despite working under significant disadvantages, the density of the molding has increased even more than before, and I felt that his senses and techniques have become even more sharpened.
Furthermore, his firing process, which he approached with the theme of "Hidasuki" (fire-cord), was a great success, and the blossoms of magnificent Hidasuki are in full bloom, just as the title of this blog suggests.
The theme this time, in his own words, was to erase Shusaku’s habits, flair, and traces from the "clay → Shusaku → person" process, sublimating the Hidasuki so that one can directly enjoy the "clay → person" experience.
He took on the challenge of working with Hidasuki, which cannot hide any flaws and does not benefit from the "Goma" (sesame) or ash glazes that are the stars of Bizen ware, by removing even the decorations and intentionality that he would normally add with his own hands.
His efforts have come to fruition, and all of these Hidasuki pieces have turned out magnificently.
There are pieces with a white base like a beautiful, clean sandy beach, pieces where the Hidasuki appears to emerge in a vivid bright red, and pieces with a rustic Hidasuki on a classic Bizen-style coated clay body that seem to carry the scent of the earth.
When I met him a few months ago, Mr. Taku said, "I want to do my best with Hidasuki," and looking at any of these works, I am convinced that he has brilliantly achieved that goal.
I look forward to the further development of the studious and earnest Mr. Taku.
The piece on the left features a brilliantly clear Hidasuki that looks as if it is floating.
The one on the right is coated with clay, giving it a classic Bizen-style texture.
It was slowly built up using the coil method, and its unique balance is quite pleasant.
Mr. Taku's seriousness and enthusiasm have had a very positive influence on the foot of the vessel.
It is a refined foot that is well-crafted while retaining a sense of movement, truly befitting a craftsman.
(Shusaku Taku / Bizen Hidasuki Sake Cup - Co-box in production)
Photo left size: 7.1cm diameter x 7.0cm diameter x 4.6cm height price: Sold
Photo right size: 7.0cm diameter x 6.8cm diameter x 5.3cm height price: Sold