Hello everyone, how are you doing?
I have also been spending my days in the typical busy fashion of the year-end,
so quite a long time has passed since my last blog post.
Now, today I would like to introduce some new works by Mr. Takashi Soga that have just been taken out of the kiln.
Normally, I would title this "Mr. Takashi Soga's kiln opening,"
but this time, for a few reasons, I have decided to call it "Vessels of Contradiction."
As you all know, the term "contradiction" (mujun) is a parable regarding things that do not add up,
and it is not generally used in a positive sense in the world.
However, "contradiction" was the first thing that came to mind when I saw Mr. Soga's works this time.
Of course, I am using it in the blog title in a very positive sense.
The origin of "contradiction" comes from a merchant who sold a spear that could pierce any shield and a shield that could defend against any spear.
It is a state where the logical consistency of a paradox—similar to the omnipotence paradox—has collapsed.
I feel that Mr. Soga's works this time have a charm that makes this very contradiction a reality.
If I try to explain these works, I have no choice but to use words that sound like contradictions.
"It has luster, yet it has no luster."
"It is understated, yet the earthen quality is very assertive."
"It has a rough surface, yet it is fine-grained."
"It is a brand-new work, yet it carries the aura of an antique and looks as if it could crumble at any moment," and so on.
Those who have seen antique Bizen ware will be particularly surprised by this unique sense of luster and texture.
The ruggedness of the earth and the worn-in character found only in antique Bizen have been brilliantly recreated.
Also, even where the luster is matte, it is by no means devoid of shine; rather, it is a surface quality that captures light beautifully.
I chose this title because the more I explain it, the more contradictions arise.
Antique Bizen is also full of contradictions, which is why it continues to fascinate not only fans but also Bizen ware artists.
I hope you will take these "Vessels of Contradiction" into your own hands.
Photo left
This is the sake cup from the photo on the left. Although the firing has a slight kiln-transmutation (yohen) effect, what is really worth noting is the "nuke" earthen quality.
The contradiction in this earthen part is that it is "well-fired and hardened, yet it brings out a soft, scarlet earthen quality."
He has succeeded in brilliantly producing the "strong scarlet" seen in antique Bizen.
The texture is also exceptional, resulting in a high-quality feel that you wouldn't imagine from its initial roughness.
Photo middle
This is the sake cup from the middle photo. The sense of luster on this cup is exceptional—truly "shining, yet not shining."
The orange part, which looks like a "nuke" (fire-marked area), suddenly develops a luster partway through,
with the luster shifting back and forth alongside the matte areas.
Even the earthen texture, which looks like it would be rough and scratchy in photos,
is as soft and worn down as if it had been admired in people's hands for hundreds of years.
Photo right
This is the sake cup from the photo on the right. It is "understated and plain, yet it has a strong presence and is flamboyant."
At first glance, the clay surface and the fire marks (hidasuki) appear to be in the same color range, making the fire marks look muted;
yet, the more you look at it, the more the colors emerge with a mysterious charm.
Because it is fired with just the natural clay surface, you can thoroughly enjoy the delicate earthen quality,
and the more you learn about the stone-bursts, the wear of the clay, and the soft texture, the more they stand out.
(Takashi Soga/Bizen Sake Cup - Wooden presentation box currently in production)
Photo left size: diameter 7.0cm x diameter 6.8cm x height 5.7cm price: Sold
Photo middle size: diameter 7.0cm x diameter 6.8cm x height 6.0cm price: Sold
Photo right size: diameter 7.1cm x diameter 7.0cm x height 5.7cm price: Sold
For detailed images of the works, please inquire below.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email to Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Click to open email screen)