Bizen Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle

This Bizen gourd-shaped sake flask is the work of Tomio Ochi, an artist who diligently dedicated himself to firing kilns under the guidance of Yasuhito Abe, pouring his lingering aspirations into his pottery. The plump, gourd-like form is truly characteristic of Ochi's style. Fired to a high-pitched ring in a specially constructed kiln, the piece features a substantial, weighty build that, combined with its inherent thickness, conveys the remarkable density of the clay. The contrast between the yellow *tobi-goma* (splashed sesame glaze) concentrated solely on the front and the highly lustrous reddish-brown surface is exquisite. Signed paulownia box to be provided at a later date (please allow some time for shipping).
Mouth rim 3.6cm × Body diameter 8.4cm × Body diameter 8.3cm × Height 12.5cm, Capacity approx. 200cc Tomio Ochi graduated from Ehime Prefectural Niihama Technical High School in 1949. In 1952, he moved to Tokyo to study oil painting and sculpture. Thereafter, he pursued painting and sculpture while working a corporate job. In 1997, he visited Yasuhito Abe in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, to receive his tutelage. He built his own kiln in Ushimado in 1998, and has since been crafting Bizen ware, drawing on his background in sculpture and painting.