Hello everyone, how are you all doing?
As we announced on our Facebook page,
we have just received new works from Takashi Soga’s latest kiln opening, with a focus on sake vessels.
During his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki, Soga became deeply captivated by ancient Bizen ware.
In this Heisei era, overflowing with modern conveniences, he has managed to recreate the Momoyama period as if stepping back in time.
It is almost like a fairy tale, where a passionate yearning acts as a catalyst to transcend time itself.
He moved alone from Tokyo to the deep mountains of Kugu and set out to eliminate anything from his kiln and workshop that did not exist in the Momoyama period.
In a modern age where numerous convenient kiln tools have been invented and incorporated into standard production methods over the decades, he took a great gamble that some might call foolish.
There are no heat-reflecting firebricks, only earthen walls that absorb heat, and not even a chimney.
Naturally, there are no thermometers, electric potter's wheels, clay mixers, or kiln shelves.
Firing such an unconventional kiln inevitably leads to reactions that have never been seen before.
This latest opening marks the sixth time he has fired this kiln through such trial and error.
"It's inefficient, yes—but that's exactly why it's interesting."
When he says this, there is a smile on Soga-sensei’s face that suggests he has finally grasped the magic of the Momoyama period.
This evening at 8:00, I would like to introduce eight select sake cups crafted from that very magic.
I hope you will take a look.