Bizen Sake Cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of Shusaku Taku, an artist who transforms daily inspirations into form, staying close to the Bizen tradition that has matured alongside the lives of people throughout the ages. With a meticulous focus on clay and firing, he pairs a brownish, rocky ground with a deep *hidasuki* (fire cord) pattern. The form, which possesses both a gentle curvature and a powerful structure, is brought to life by inputting fine, subtle movements into the clay by hand. Its serene, intricate texture and scenery—reminiscent of fallen leaves—recreate the withered, tranquil world cherished by the great tea masters of the past. Signed wooden box (double-slatted lid)
Diameter 7.0cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 5.2cm 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. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he received the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. He has also had works selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition.