Bizen Large Teacup

This is a large Bizen ware yunomi (teacup) by Shusaku Taku, an artist who transforms the inspirations of daily life into form, using Bizen ware—a craft that has matured alongside the continuous activities of people throughout history—as his medium. True to its name, this "large yunomi" is an impressive piece, more than twice the size of a standard teacup. In addition to its significant size, it features a somewhat thick construction that gives it considerable weight; its substantial presence and sense of stability are truly exceptional. This piece features a sophisticated *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern in the style of Old Bizen, for which Taku is well known, covering the entire surface. The vividness of the color combined with the powerful form makes it so striking that one might mistake it for a vase or jar. Paper box
Diameter 9.2cm × Diameter 9.2cm × Height 11.7cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. In 2001, he graduated from the Saga Prefectural Arita College of Ceramics and began his apprenticeship under his father, Mamoru Taku. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he received the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition. He has also had works selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition.