Ibe Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle

This is a new Bizen sake flask (tokkuri) by Tomio Ochi, an artist who, having spent time diligently firing kilns under the mentorship of Anjin Abe, pours his unceasing artistic passion into his ceramics. At first glance, the gourd-shaped form appears simple and straightforward, but it is a tour de force that has been painstakingly crafted over a long period. By eliminating extreme movements and instead utilizing subtle carving and manipulation of the clay to shift the center and apex, the artist has created a body with a uniquely indescribable balance—a form that seems to twist and swell diagonally, becoming more fascinating the longer one looks at it. The deep, thick yellow sesame glaze (kigoma) with its fine crazing is reminiscent of Anjin Abe’s work and is truly magnificent; when combined with the uniquely balanced body, it gives the piece a strangely alluring presence. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for delivery).
Rim 2.8cm × Body diameter 8.3cm × Body diameter 8.3cm × Height 14.3cm; Capacity approx. 250cc Tomio Ochi graduated from Niihama Technical High School in Ehime Prefecture in 1949. In 1952, he moved to Tokyo to study oil painting and sculpture. Thereafter, he pursued painting and sculpture while working at a company. In 1997, he visited Anjin Abe in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, to seek his tutelage, and in 1998, he built his own kiln in Ushimado, where he continues to create Bizen ware while drawing on his experience in sculpture and painting.