Inbe Kuro Guinomi

This is an Ibe-guro (black Bizen) sake cup by Kenji Takenaka, who transitioned from jewelry design to ceramics and studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. The multicolored kiln-altered shades of beige, blue, black, and yellow, brought forth through meticulously calculated firing, speak to the high level of Master Takenaka’s firing technique. The carefully cut form resembles a black gemstone, exuding a solid presence like jewelry despite being a ceramic piece. The interior features a gradient from the caramel color characteristic of Kanba clay to dark brown, which is a delight to behold in harmony with the kiln-altered exterior. Original signed wooden box (shiho-zan) included
Diameter 7.0cm x Diameter 6.7cm x Height 6.2cm Kenji Takenaka was captivated by clay and transitioned into ceramics from a career as a jewelry designer. After completing his studies at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1986, he served as an instructor there for two years. In 1988, he began studying under Jun Isezaki and became independent in 1994. In addition to traditional pieces such as tea utensils, sake vessels, tableware, and flower vases, he also creates innovative works. Through oxidation and reduction firing in an anagama kiln, he showcases diverse expressions through the color variations of red, white, and black, as well as the texture of the clay. He has received awards such as the Okayama City Mayor’s Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Award at the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition, and the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, among other selections in various exhibitions. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.