Bizen Shu-Ha-Ri

This is a Bizen "Shuhari" sake cup by Kenji Takenaka, an artist who transitioned from jewelry design to ceramics and studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. Utilizing clay from the Samuhada region of Bizen, this ambitious piece boldly incorporates techniques from Oribe and Shino ware, truly living up to the name "Shuhari" (adhere, detach, transcend). The Samuhada clay is used directly without elutriation or refinement, revealing a marbled, light purple-tinged clay at the foot. The combination of feldspar glaze and Oribe glaze allows for the simultaneous enjoyment of *kairagi* (crackle) patterns and green glaze, with their colors enhancing one another to create a fantastical finish. Original signed box to follow (please allow some time for delivery)
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 5.0cm Kenji Takenaka is an artist who was captivated by the medium of clay and transitioned from a career as a jewelry designer. After completing his studies at the Bizen Ceramic Center in 1986, he worked there as an instructor for two years. He apprenticed under Jun Isezaki starting in 1988 and established his own studio in 1994. In addition to traditional tea ceremony ceramics, sake sets, tableware, and vases, he also creates highly innovative works. Using oxidation and reduction firing in an anagama kiln, he produces diverse expressions through shifts in red, white, and black coloration and the texture of the clay. He has received numerous honors, including the Okayama Mayor's Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Award at the Prefectural Exhibition, as well as the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, and has been selected for various other exhibitions. He holds solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.