Bizen Hidasuki Sake Bottle

This sake bottle is an earlier work by Hiroyuki Wakimoto, who studied under the popular veteran potter Joji Yamashita and captivates fans with lighthearted pieces infused with a modern sensibility. It bears a 1996 provenance, confirming it was created at that time. The aesthetic of his work—characterized by a clean, light sesame glaze overlaid with deep fire-cord markings (hidasuki)—stands out for its delicacy even among the Isezaki school, which excels in anagama-fired pieces. The rugby-ball-like form, which emphasizes the beauty of the surface, is also magnificent. (*Please note in advance that although this is an earlier work, there are almost no signs of use.) Signed wooden box (double-frame lid)
Rim 3.5cm × Body diameter 9.1cm × Body diameter 9.0cm × Height 15.2cm, Capacity approx. 440cc Hiroyuki Wakimoto left the crafts program at Osaka University of Arts, returned home to help with the family business, and joined the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Association. While he initially gained recognition in the Western painting division of the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Exhibition, he was drawn to the earth and fire of Bizen ware. In 1981, he moved to Bizen and studied pottery techniques and firing under Joji Yamashita for eight years. His efforts paid off in 1990 when he built a climbing kiln at his current quiet location, successfully fired his first kiln, and became an independent artist. He won an award at the Issuikai Exhibition with his first kiln firing. In 1991, he was selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for the first time, and subsequently for the Ceramic Biennale, the Yakishime Pottery Exhibition, and others. In 1994, he won the Grand Prize at the Yakishime Pottery Open Exhibition for his "Sho no Utsuwa" (Vessel of Soaring), inspired by the image of a bird in flight. In 1996, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association.