Bizen Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle

This is a new Bizen gourd-shaped sake bottle by Tomio Ochi, an artist who has been diligently firing kilns under the guidance of Yasuhito Abe, pouring his unfulfilled artistic aspirations into his pottery. At first glance, the clay body has a dark brown finish that might be mistaken for Ibe-te. A thick, matte yellow sesame glaze, which appears almost sandblasted, drapes over the piece, creating an exquisite contrast with the dark brown surface mentioned above. The powerful, tilting form, reminiscent of a human figure, combined with the expertly crafted lugs, gives the piece a commanding presence. One of the lugs is filled with the thick yellow sesame glaze—a whimsical touch that is quintessential to Ochi-sensei. Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for delivery)
Rim 3.7cm × Body diameter 8.0cm × Body diameter 7.5cm × Height 14.7cm Capacity approx. 210cc 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 seek his mentorship, and in 1998, he built his own kiln in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, where he continues to create Bizen ware, drawing on his background in sculpture and painting.