Bizen sake bottle

This is a Bizen sake flask by the prodigy Juro Harada—a piece from a few years ago—who was described as a "fearsome talent" while researching old Bizen alongside the great Bizen benefactor, Dr. Matasaburo Katsura. While the coiled body has an orthodox cylindrical shape, the fine indentations caused by small stones and the like create a powerful atmosphere. Contrary to its imposing appearance, it is crafted to be very light, and the indentation on the side is designed to fit your fingers, making it exceptionally easy to hold. The well-fired, austere scenery is reminiscent of old Bizen, making this a work with an irresistible, robust character. (*This is a slightly older work and shows signs of use; includes a pottery biography up to the year 2004.) Signed wooden box (shiho-san/four-way locking lid)
Rim 3.7cm x Body diameter 8.3cm x Body diameter 8.2cm x Height 12.4cm Capacity approx. 330cc After graduating from Meiji University, Juro Harada worked for a company before beginning his pottery career in 1969. He built an ana-gama kiln in 1971 and a climbing kiln the following year, devoting himself fully to ceramics. From 1975, under the guidance of old Bizen researcher Matasaburo Katsura, he visited ancient kiln sites to study old Bizen. In 1991, he built an ana-gama kiln on Mt. Amida in Ushimado. He creates jars, tea ceremony utensils, and leaf-shaped plates. He primarily uses the coiling technique, supplemented by some wheel-thrown work. He has held active solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and elsewhere. In 1983, he held a two-man exhibition with Kenji Funaki of Fushina ware at the National Museum of Ethnology in Australia. He received the Japan Ceramic Society Award in 2000. In 2002, his work was exhibited and acquired by the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, for its opening commemorative exhibition. In 2005, his work was acquired by the New Orleans Museum of Art in the United States.