Sake bottle

This sake flask (tokkuri) was fired in the Sampo O-gama (large kiln) of Koichi Yoshida, who studied under the Bizen genius, Togaku Mori. This piece was created during the very first firing of the commemorative Sampo O-gama, spanning from 1985 to 1986. The body up to the shoulder was formed using a plaster mold, and the finishing touches feature fine, diagonal brushing with a spatula; the lines created by the pebbles contained in the clay sliding across the surface add a refined, understated presence. A dry, scattered "sesame" (goma) glaze clings to the surface, accented by fine scarlet spots, offering a special, distinctive appearance characteristic of a large-scale kiln. (Although this piece is from around 1986, please note that it shows almost no signs of use.) Signed wooden box (tomobako, two-way cross-braced)
Rim diameter 3.9cm × Body diameter 10.5cm × 10.4cm × Height 16.2cm; Capacity approx. 650cc Inspired by the large-kiln works of Togaku Mori, Koichi Yoshida was moved to become a ceramic artist. In 1980, he began his apprenticeship under Togaku Mori, learning the techniques of kiln stacking and firing. In 1992, he built his own 20-meter semi-underground climbing kiln and became an independent artist. While he primarily uses the coil-building technique to create tableware, he also crafts large-scale works such as big jars, large vases, and oversized platters. He was first selected for the Prefectural Exhibition in 1983 and held his first solo exhibition in Okayama City in 1986, followed by others in Tokyo, Yamagata, and Imabari. His work has been featured in exhibitions such as the Bizen Emerging Seven and the Bizen Sampo Three-Person Exhibition. He has also participated in the firings of Togaku Mori's Sampo O-gama.