Bizen Tsurukubi Hanaire

This crane-neck flower vase is the work of Shusaku Taku, an artist who takes the everyday inspirations of life and uses them as a "yeast" to shape Bizen ware—a craft that has matured over centuries by closely accompanying the lives of the people who created it. While Shusaku is often known for his coil-building technique, this crane-neck vase showcases the elegant, flowing beauty of curves achieved through wheel-throwing. The balance between the notoriously difficult crane neck and the swelling of the body is perfectly realized, making it look incredibly lovely and charming when flowers are arranged in it. Its size also offers the versatility to be used as a decanter for sake or other beverages by simply adding a cork. The rich, partially darkened *hidasuki* (fire-cord) gradation, combined with the beautifully curved body, gives it the appearance of an apple.

Interview with Shusaku Taku No box included
Diameter 11.5cm x 11.4cm x Height 21.8cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. He graduated from the Arita College of Ceramics in Saga Prefecture in 2001 and began his apprenticeship under his father. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he won the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition. He has also been selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition.