Bizen Oazuke Tokkuri

This is a Bizen sake flask (azuke-tokkuri) by Tomio Ochi, an artist who spent his days silently firing kilns under the tutelage of Anjin Abe, pouring his insatiable creative passion into his pottery. Rather than fearing the moisture inside the kiln, he skillfully harnesses it to create a powerful *mizusangiri* (water-flashed) effect. The shoulders are adorned with well-fired *goma* (ash glaze) characteristic of Ochi’s style, establishing a striking balance between the bright brown earth tones and the grey of the *sangiri*. Its large form is crafted with graceful, sweeping lines that originate from bold throwing rings. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for shipping).
Rim 4.3cm x Body 10.0cm x Body 9.1cm x Height 17.3cm; Capacity approx. 550cc Tomio Ochi graduated from Niihama Technical High School in Ehime Prefecture in 1949. He moved to Tokyo in 1952 to study oil painting and sculpture, continuing to pursue these arts while working for a company. In 1997, he visited Anjin Abe in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, to receive his guidance. He built his own kiln in Ushimado in 1998, where he has since been dedicated to creating Bizen ware, drawing upon his background in sculpture and painting.