Bizen manaita-zara

This is a Bizen ware chopping-board plate by Takahiro Hosokawa, who continues to follow the same path as his grandfather, the master craftsman Eiraku Takemura, by whom he was inspired to take up Bizen pottery. The intense firing in the climbing kiln has enveloped the corners in dramatic sangiri (ash-fire marking), transforming their texture into something resembling pumice stone. The pattern, which appears to have been drawn with a carefree spontaneity, and the refreshing sesame-seed glaze (goma) blooming on the bright surface are truly wonderful, reflecting the spirit of a young artist. Despite its large and imposing form, the base and corners are crafted with great care, a result that truly earns the title of being the work of someone from a lineage of master craftsmen. Paper box
35.7cm (length) x 19.2cm (width) x 5.5cm (height) Takahiro Hosokawa was born in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture in 1979. In 1999, he completed his training at the Bizen Ceramic Center and apprenticed under his grandfather, Eiraku Takemura. He established his own studio in 2000.