Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is by Shusaku Taku, who shapes his work by fermenting the various inspirations of daily life, drawing upon Bizen ware that has matured alongside the continuous activities of people throughout history. The fine textures and flow of the clay, created through coil building, give the piece a powerful sense of movement, and when held, it feels as though it becomes one with your palm, as if you are grasping the clay itself. For this piece, a somewhat unique Bizen clay was used, and rather than applying a slip like *Ibe-de*, the natural black color was brought out through reaction with *goma* (ash glaze) during the firing process. Ochre, black, and yellow overlap in a gradation, as if the fine *goma* that drifted like mist within the kiln has been captured on its surface for eternity.

View Taku-sensei's blog post Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 7.0cm × Diameter 6.7cm × Height 6.2cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. In 2001, he graduated from the Arita College of Ceramics in Saga Prefecture and began his apprenticeship under his father, Mamoru Taku. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he received the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. Additionally, he has had his work selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition.