Hello everyone, how are you doing?
It has been a while since my last post, but I would like to continue introducing the works of Mr. Soga.
The works I have introduced on our blog and website have been very well received by many pottery enthusiasts, and I am very happy that the world of Mr. Soga's work has touched the hearts of so many.
Customers who visited our shop in particular have given them high praise, and I believe this is due to the "fine luster and texture," which are the hallmarks of Mr. Soga's work.
The sake bottle (tokkuri) I am introducing this time is also a piece that perfectly expresses these characteristics.
You can enjoy "two types of silver"—the intense ash covering (haikaburi) and the silver hues that appear on the clay surface.
What do you think?
Fired to the limit in a unique kiln that doesn't even have a chimney, it features an intense ash covering that seems to cling to the skin.
So why is a sake bottle with such a fiery kiln transformation called a "Vessel of Contradiction"?
Everyone who sees it is surprised, but the feel of it is incredibly smooth.
It has a very soft texture, like a river stone worn smooth by a rapid current over hundreds or thousands of years, with only slight irregularities.
This keyword of texture and wear from flowing water reminds me of an old Bizen small bowl I saw from a collector while I was with Mr. Soga.
That piece, commonly referred to as "sea-recovered old Bizen," was pulled from the ocean.
It had a rich, bluish sangiri kiln transformation toward the rim, but it had a soft texture that seemed to cling to the skin, a memory that moved me when I held it.
The dark, strong clay quality on the opposite side of the ash-covered kiln transformation is very similar, and it is a piece that brings back nostalgic feelings while I enjoy a beauty that approaches the old Bizen fitting of a "Vessel of Contradiction."
The sound it makes when pouring is also wonderful, playing a pleasant "gurgle-gurgle" sound.
Furthermore, the dark and astringent clay quality looks most beautiful when wet; just gazing at its standing figure while wet is enough to leave you intoxicated.
(Soga Takashi / Bizen Gourd Sake Bottle, with signature box)
size: diameter 8.3cm × diameter 8.2cm × height 16.8cm price: Sold
Please contact us below for detailed images of the work.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email to Kawaguchi Tourakuen (clicking will open the email sending screen)