Bizen Sake Cup

This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Shusaku Taku, an artist who shapes his work using the daily inspirations he ferments into form, all while embracing the Bizen ware tradition that has matured alongside the continuous activities of people throughout history. This new piece was jointly fired in his father Mamoru Taku’s kiln located in Takebe-cho. Hand-coiled with great care and time, this piece offers a delightful sensory experience in the palm of your hand through its pleasant weight and the texture of the clay and "goma" (ash glaze). Its bowl-like form and meticulously crafted rim and body ensure a wonderful sense of unity when held. The firing process seems to awaken the iron within the clay, resulting in a lovely bluish-tinged *kase-goma* (dull ash glaze) and an amber-colored luster caused by the iron content. Signed wooden box (double-slatted)
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.4cm × Height 5.8cm 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 won the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art’s Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. He has also been selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chūgoku Branch Exhibition.