Ibe Rakkyo Tokkuri

This Ibe shallot-shaped sake flask is the work of Yoshinobu Morimoto, an artist with a superior aesthetic sense who continues to evolve in his mastery of clay, firing, and form. It is a work that can be called the culmination of Morimoto’s pursuit of the Old Bizen style of the Momoyama period, featuring a profound and magnificent firing effect. The contrast in the texture of the clay between the neck and the body is so striking that one wonders if they are truly the same material. The neck was wrapped in straw and fired in a covered setting to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth brown texture, while the body features an applied slip, resulting in a jet-black finish that literally resembles lacquerware. Morimoto’s sculptural ability to bring these two elements together is a true highlight of the piece. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Rim 4.1cm × Body diameter 10.1cm × Body diameter 10.1cm × Height 17.1cm; Capacity approx. 500ml Yoshinobu Morimoto was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1976. He completed his studies at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1996. After working independently, he held his first solo exhibition in Tokyo in 2004. Since then, he has held annual solo exhibitions across Japan, primarily in Tokyo. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, his work was selected for the "Chanoyu Plastic Arts Exhibition" at the Tanabe Art Museum. In 2008, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Sake Vessel Exhibition" at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo, and in 2009, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Tea Bowl Exhibition" at the same venue. In 2010, he held a solo exhibition titled "Yoshinobu Morimoto Feature" at Tenmaya, Okayama, among many other exhibitions held throughout the country.