Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Tomio Ochi, who diligently focuses on kiln firing under the guidance of Yasuhito Abe, pouring his unfulfilled artistic aspirations into his ceramics. While his previous work primarily focused on Ibe-guro (black Bizen) and form, this piece marks a shift toward expressing the exquisite nuances of the clay's texture. The interior has been fired with an extra degree of care, considering how it will reflect the color of the sake, and its rich, viscous, reddish hue will surely create a magnificent landscape once in use. In contrast, the exterior is fired with more restraint, featuring a matte finish that prioritizes texture and is a pleasure to hold. This sake cup allows you to enjoy both firm and soft expressions of clay within a single vessel. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipment).
Diameter 7.0cm × Diameter 6.7cm × Height 6.0cm Tomio Ochi graduated from Niihama Technical High School in Ehime Prefecture in 1949. He moved to Tokyo in 1952 to study oil painting and sculpture, and continued to pursue these arts while working for a company. In 1997, he visited Yasuhito Abe in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, to seek his mentorship. He built his own kiln in Ushimado in 1998, and has since been crafting Bizen ware while drawing on his background in sculpture and painting.