Bizen Katakuchi

This is a Bizen-ware katakuchi (spouted bowl) by Masahiro Miyao, who was captivated by Bizen ware—the art of earth and fire—and studied ceramic techniques in Imbe. The form is a variation on the swollen-bodied shape of antique Bizen large jars, featuring a highly dynamic design with a semi-lunar rim and body. The myriad of yellow sesame-seed ash glazes (yo-goma) flowing across the striking black background are truly magnificent, and the way they aggregate toward the shell marks while becoming black and translucent creates a breathtakingly luxurious scene. A faint cobalt blue appears on the spout, providing a subtle accent to the black surface. Paper box
Diameter 10.2cm × Diameter 8.6cm × Height 11.8cm Masahiro Miyao was born in Tsuiki-cho, Fukuoka Prefecture. He came to Bizen in 1991 to train. In 1995, he joined the Bishu Kiln, where he honed his ceramic techniques under the guidance of Yuichi Yamamoto. He built his own climbing kiln and had his first firing in 2001. He has received numerous awards, including the Prefectural Exhibition Encouragement Award in 1999, the Prefectural Exhibition Prize in 2000, and the Excellence Award at the Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Ceramics in 2003, followed by the Japan Kōgei Association Chairman’s Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 2006. In 2007, he won the Okayama Mayor’s Award at the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch 50th Anniversary Exhibition and became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 2008, he received the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition.