Bizen Sake Cup

This is a freshly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Shusaku Taku, an artist who transforms the varied inspirations of daily life into form, using the Bizen pottery tradition that has matured alongside human activity throughout the ages. Created in accordance with the ancient Bizen style, the piece was formed using the coil method, then shaped by scraping away the clay with a spatula. In his pursuit of creating the ideal "vessel," the artist has focused strictly on its functionality as a drinking cup, ensuring a comfortable feel in the hand and a pleasant mouthfeel. The *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings, created through subtle variations in clay composition, give each piece a unique character, with every one demonstrating remarkable quality and stunning luster and texture. Signed wooden box (two-way braced)
Diameter 7.1cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 4.3cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. In 2001, he graduated from the Arita College of Ceramics in Saga Prefecture and began his apprenticeship under his father. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Kōgei Association Chūgoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he received the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Art Museum Tea Ceremony Craft Exhibition. He has also been selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chūgoku Branch Exhibition.