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. It is an ambitious work that boldly incorporates Oribe and Shino techniques while using clay from the Saburi region of Bizen, truly living up to the name "Shuhari." The base is a matte black clay with all luster completely removed, over which Takenaka has applied his signature technical glazing. The size of the "kairagi" (crackle glaze) grains is masterfully controlled, creating a scene reminiscent of snow falling on a dark night. Original signed box to follow later (please allow some time for shipment).
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.3cm Captivated by the material of clay, Kenji Takenaka transitioned to ceramics from a career as a jewelry designer. After completing his studies at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1986, he served as an instructor there for two years. He began studying under Jun Isezaki in 1988 and established his own studio in 1994. In addition to traditional tea ceremony ware, sake vessels, tableware, and flower vases, he also creates innovative pieces. Through oxidation and reduction firing in an anagama kiln, he achieves diverse expressions through changes in red, white, and black coloration and the texture of the clay. He has received awards such as the Okayama Mayor's Prize and the Prefectural Exhibition Prize, as well as the Sanyo Shimbun Prize at the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, and has been selected for numerous other exhibitions. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.