Bizen hand-modeled hohin (teapot)

This is a Bizen ware lion ornament by Shungo Nishimura, a master craftsman celebrated for blending traditional spatula techniques with a sculptural sensibility. Despite being hand-modeled, the piece is remarkably transformed into a square shape without any sense of distortion, a testament to the skill of this master of old. Dynamic "tobigoma" (splashed sesame) glaze is scattered across the entire vessel, and combined with the "ishihaze" (stone eruptions), it is as if every single grain is dancing. The base features both the potter's mark and the inscription "Godei," an art name bestowed upon him by the prefectural governor at the time, proving it to be a masterful work. (*Please note that there is a white stain on the spout.) Original wooden box (with two-sided slats)
Diameter including spout 9.8cm x Body diameter 8.2cm x Height 6.2cm Shungo Nishimura was born in Kyoto in 1886. He came to Imbe in 1909 to build his kiln. Based on traditional spatula techniques, he was acclaimed as a master of intricate crafts through his sculptural sensibility and methods. He was a holder of the Art Preservation Qualification. He left behind many masterpieces such as mirage incense burners and multi-tiered pagoda incense burners. During the Army Grand Maneuvers in 1930, he was commissioned to create the "Kibi Seven Gods of Good Fortune," which was presented to His Majesty the Emperor by Okayama Prefecture. He also won prizes at craft exhibitions sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He passed away in 1953.