Bizen Oribe free cup

This is a new Bizen-Oribe free cup by Kenji Takenaka, who transitioned from jewelry design to the path of pottery, studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The clay used for this piece is a fine-grained *ta-tsuchi* (rice field clay), characterized by its clean whiteness and deeply flavorful *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings. The cool, refreshing green coloration of the Oribe glaze is superb, standing as a magnificent work that rivals authentic Oribe ware. Its unique form, created by hollowing out the clay and shaping it with split wood, is overflowing with the fresh, innovative ideas characteristic of Takenaka-sensei. Includes signed wooden box (with four-directional lid bracing).
Diameter 9.2cm × Diameter 8.6cm × Height 8.3cm Kenji Takenaka is an artist who, captivated by the medium of clay, transitioned from a career as a jewelry designer. After completing the Bizen Pottery Center program in 1986, he served as an instructor there for two years. He began his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki in 1988 and established his own studio in 1994. In addition to traditional pieces such as tea ceramics, sake vessels, tableware, and flower vases, he also crafts avant-garde works. Through oxidation and reduction firing in an *anagama* kiln, he explores diverse expressions through changes in red, white, and black hues, and the unique textures of the clay. He has received numerous awards, including the Okayama Mayor's Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Award, and has been selected for various exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Crafts Branch Exhibition, where he received the Sanyo Shimbun Award. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.