Bizen Guinomi

This is a slightly earlier Bizen sake cup by Gyokushu Kimura, an artist who approaches his pottery with deep sincerity and a unique, powerful style. Among the works of Gyokushu, who is known for his elaborate craftsmanship, this piece is rare for having been made solely on the potter's wheel. The orthodox firing—the kind that typically comes to mind when one thinks of Bizen—complements the simple style perfectly. The carefully finished foot, a hallmark of Gyokushu’s work, is also magnificent. (*Please note that as this is an earlier work, there is some wear on the box and slight signs of use on the piece itself.) Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 6.5cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.5cm Gyokushu Kimura is a descendant of the Kimura family, one of the six original Bizen pottery lineages, and is the eldest son of the master craftsman, the 16th Sōtoku Kimura. He majored in sculpture at Nagoya University of the Arts, graduating in 1967. He studied pottery under his father and sculpture under Shinya Nakamura, a member of the Japan Art Academy. Utilizing the sophisticated ceramic sculpting techniques inherited from his father, he has created works such as "Fish of the Seto Inland Sea," "Birds of Okayama and Shikoku," and "Île de Setouchi." He also succeeded in recreating Shiro-Bizen (white Bizen) ware, which had fallen into decline since the mid-Edo period. His awards include multiple selections for the Nitten and Hakujitsu exhibitions, as well as various prizes and selections at prefectural exhibitions and the Yakishime Ceramics Competition. Affiliations: Japan Ceramic Sculpture Association, Japan Ceramic Engraving Association, Nitten, Bizen Pottery Association.