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 Sabusa, Bizen, this ambitious piece boldly incorporates Oribe and Shino techniques, truly living up to its "Shuhari" (tradition, breakthrough, innovation) name. The Sabusa clay is used directly without levigation or refinement, and the unglazed foot reveals a marbled, light-purple hue. The interior features a thick pool of Oribe glaze that has undergone kiln transmutation to a jade-like color, which is sure to delight the owner with every use. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 6.3cm × Diameter 6.0cm × Height 5.9cm Captivated by the medium of clay, Kenji Takenaka transitioned to ceramics from a career as a jewelry designer. After completing his training at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1986, he worked there as an instructor for two years. He began his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki in 1988 and became independent in 1994. In addition to traditional tea ceremony ceramics, sake vessels, tableware, and flower vases, he also creates innovative works. Through oxidation and reduction firing in an anagama kiln, he produces diverse expressions characterized by shifts in red, white, and black hues and the texture of the clay. He has received numerous awards, including the Okayama Mayor's Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Award at the Prefectural Art Exhibition, as well as the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, and has been selected for various other exhibitions. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.