Bizen Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle

This is a brand new Bizen gourd-shaped sake flask, freshly taken from the kiln by Takashi Soga, who challenges the aesthetics of antiquity by recreating the environment in which ancient Bizen ware was fired. In order to replicate the style of ancient Bizen, no refractory bricks are used; consequently, the kiln is fired in a way that defies all modern common sense regarding thermal efficiency. Because of this, it displays a superb earthy quality that transcends modern aesthetics and nears that of ancient Bizen. The brownish surface features a subdued *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern; while plain and unassuming at first glance, it reveals a powerful, earthy surface that seems to explode with the life force of the clay—a hallmark of Soga-sensei, who deeply reveres ancient Bizen. The refined *hidasuki*, backed by the quality of the clay, has turned a shade closer to crimson than scarlet, creating a vigorous trail across the toasted ocher and azuki-bean colored skin. The form, a hybrid of a crane-neck and a gourd, produces a wonderful "gurgling" sound when you begin to pour.

Read the blog post Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Rim 2.3cm x Body diameter 9.6cm x Body diameter 9.5cm x Height 17.3cm Capacity approx. 400cc Takashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984. He studied under Jun Isezaki in 2009 and built his kiln in Kugu, Bizen City, in 2012. He became independent and began his pottery career in 2013.