Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by Mamoru Taku, an artist who has dedicated himself to the study of Old Bizen and stands out for his unique, profound aesthetic. The coil-building technique imparts a subtle movement to the piece, where intricate shifts in the clay coalesce into a powerful swell, much like small tributaries gathering to form a mighty river. The robust, upright body possesses an intense presence; viewing it up close offers a density reminiscent of holding a tea bowl. The coloration, neither too vivid nor too subdued, reflects Taku’s passionate research into clay and is a level of craftsmanship that would impress even the most devoted fan of Old Bizen. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 6.9cm × Height 5.9cm Mamoru Taku graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Kyushu Sangyo University in 1984, after which he became fascinated by traditional crafts and entered the world of Bizen pottery. He learned the fundamentals at the Bizen Ceramic Center and later honed his skills as an apprentice to Takaaki Kimura. In 1983, he built his own climbing kiln in Saeki and began his career as an independent artist. In 1998, he moved his studio to Takebe and constructed a semi-underground anagama kiln. Focusing on the expression of the clay's inherent qualities, he creates large jars, sake vessels, and vases using coil-building techniques. He also works with the "Ibe-de" style, applying slip to the body before firing, and is committed to achieving a harmony between the clay, the firing, and the form. His work has been selected for the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, the China International Ceramics Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, and others.