{"product_id":"p4360","title":"Bizen Pottery Zodiac Rooster Figurine","description":"This is a zodiac rooster figurine representing the Year of the Rooster by Matsui Koyo, who also served as an instructor at a ceramics center to train the next generation. It showcases his magnificent craftsmanship, which extends far beyond just tea utensils and vases—a testament to his background as an active teacher. The parent and child rooster are snuggled together, both facing the same direction, making for a propitious zodiac ornament. To the left of the roosters is a dry, yellow sesame glaze (kigoma), while the right side features a deep white sangiri firing, a hallmark of Matsui’s kiln.\n\nOriginal signed box (two-way braced)\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth 15.8cm x Depth 16.3cm x Height 17.0cm\n\nMatsui Koyo entered the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Ceramics in 1949 to study all aspects of pottery. After working for five years at the Kumamoto Industrial Research Institute, he returned to Kyoto to study under Kiyomizu-ware artist and Nitten judge Morino Kako. In 1960, while still in training, he was invited by then-Okayama Governor Yukiharu Miki to join the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Research Institute's ceramics guidance center. He devoted himself to training young artists, resigning as director in 1978 to work independently.\u003cbr\u003e\nHis firing techniques are based on natural glazes and shiso (beefsteak plant) red tones. He also creates vibrant Bizen ware using unique techniques derived from his experience as a Kyoto-ware artist, such as \"neriage\" (marbling two types of clay) and the use of gold, silver, and indigo pigments.\u003cbr\u003e\nBecame a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1969. Designated as a Holder of Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1996. Exhibited at the Bizen Ware Paris Exhibition in 1997. Awards include the Kaneshige Toyo Prize, Okayama Prefecture Cultural Award and Cultural Encouragement Award, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and many others. Served as a judge for the Prefectural Exhibition.","brand":"松井與之","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618599555169,"sku":"4360","price":32000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/4360.jpg?v=1790238982","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p4360","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}