Bizen pull-out sake bottle

This is a Bizen "hikidashi" (drawn-out) sake bottle by Mamoru Taku, an artist who has dedicated himself to the study of ancient Bizen ware and stands out for his uniquely profound aesthetic. The black color, which emerged from firing the clay itself without the use of slip, takes on a cosmic appearance due to the piece being pulled from the kiln’s stokehole during the firing process. Its substantial coil-built body possesses a strength that offers a glimpse of ancient potters. When held, it has the pleasant weight characteristic of coil-built pottery, resulting in a piece with a powerful presence that complements its unique landscape. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Mouth 3.9cm × Body diameter 9.8cm × Body diameter 9.7cm × Height 15.0cm, Capacity 430ml After graduating from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Kyushu Sangyo University in 1984, Mamoru Taku became fascinated by traditional crafts and entered the world of Bizen pottery. He studied the basics of pottery techniques at the Bizen Pottery Center, after which he apprenticed under Takaaki Kimura to hone his skills. In 1983, he built an ascending kiln in Saeki-cho and became an independent artist. In 1998, he moved his studio to Takebe-cho, where he built a semi-underground anagama kiln. Focusing on the expression of the clay's inherent quality, he creates large jars, sake vessels, and vases using coil-building techniques. He also works with the "Ibe-de" style, in which the unglazed body is coated with slip, and is committed to achieving harmony between the clay, the firing, and the form. His work has been selected for exhibitions such as the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, the China International Ceramics Exhibition, and the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition.