Bizen Oribe free cup

This new Bizen Oribe free cup is the work of Kenji Takenaka, who transitioned from jewelry design to pottery and studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The clay used for this piece is fine-grained "ta-tsuchi" (rice paddy clay), characterized by its crisp whiteness and deep, flavorful "hidasuki" (fire-cord) markings. The cool, refreshing green of the Oribe glaze is magnificent, rivaling even the finest authentic Oribe ware. The unique form, created by hollowing out the clay and shaping it with split wood, is overflowing with the fresh, youthful ideas characteristic of Mr. Takenaka. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 9.3cm x Diameter 8.7cm x Height 8.1cm Kenji Takenaka is a ceramic artist who was captivated by the medium of clay and transitioned from a career as a jewelry designer. After completing his studies at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1986, he worked there as an instructor for two years. He began studying 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 creates innovative works. Through oxidation and reduction firing in an anagama kiln, he displays a diverse range of expressions through changes in red, white, and black coloration and the texture of the clay. He has received numerous awards, including the Okayama City Mayor's Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Award at the Prefectural Art Exhibition, as well as the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, and has been selected for various other exhibitions. He holds solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.