Bizen Ran-bari Sake Cup

This is a new *ranbari* (randomly applied clay strip) sake cup by the prodigious talent Juroku Harada, who was told he had a "frighteningly bright future" while studying ancient Bizen pottery alongside the great Bizen benefactor, Dr. Matasaburo Katsura. He returns after a three-year hiatus with a more refined style. The green *goma* (ash glaze) that envelops the entire piece—best described as a "coating"—is a testament to Harada-sensei’s mastery. The interior features a well-melted yellow *goma* characteristic of this kiln, while the remaining exposed clay shows intense, brownish-red landscapes created by seeping iron content. Each *ranbari* strip is applied with meticulous care, and the stone-like texture further enhances the piece's commanding presence. Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.7cm × Diameter 6.4cm × Height 6.7cm After graduating from Meiji University and working for a company, Juroku Harada began his career in ceramics in 1969. He built his first *ana-gama* (tunnel kiln) in 1971 and a climbing kiln the following year, fully dedicating himself to the craft. Starting in 1975, under the guidance of ancient Bizen researcher Matasaburo Katsura, he visited historical kiln sites to study ancient Bizen wares. In 1991, he built an *ana-gama* kiln on Amidayama in Ushimado. He creates jars, tea ceremony utensils, and *ha-zara* (leaf-shaped plates), using the coil-building technique supplemented by some wheel work. He has been active in holding solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and elsewhere. In 1983, he held a joint exhibition with Kenji Funaki of Fushina ware at the National Museum of Australia. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 2000. In 2002, his work was exhibited and acquired for the opening commemorative exhibition of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. In 2005, his work was acquired by the New Orleans Museum of Art in the United States.