Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Rokuro Nakamura, a master craftsman of whom Bizen is proud and who was hailed as the god of sake vessel making. Based on the calligraphy on the box and the dynamic form of the piece, it is inferred to be from Nakamura’s final years. With its exquisite scarlet color that is recognizable as the Nakamura family style at a glance, and the contrast between the red and the渋 (refined) greenish *goma* (ash glaze), this is a masterpiece that is irresistible to fans of his work. The superb scarlet color is truly the essence of Rokuro Bizen, and its brilliant hue, which seems to sear the eyes of the viewer, transforms into a melting, luscious color when moistened with sake, adding even more allure. Despite this, it is well-fired throughout, and the way the fire has entered the interior is nothing short of exquisite; the gradation from a sweet, melting scarlet to a hard-fired, fruit-like red remains perfectly intact. The undulating rim forms a gentle triangle, and the foot, pressed with force at three points, is also triangular. Combined with the finish of the slightly constricted body, it offers a fit that seems to be sucked into the palm of one's hand, as only a master's work could. Original signed box (shiho-san)
Diameter 7.9cm x Diameter 7.7cm x Height 5.6cm Rokuro Nakamura worked as a company employee until the end of World War II, when he began his training under Living National Treasure Toyo Kaneshige in 1945. He built the Rokuro Kiln and became independent in 1961. He preferred to create sake vessels like tokkuri (sake bottles) using a potter's wheel, though he also created *tatara*-molded items such as *hobbin* (tea kettles), teapots, and tea bowls. Known for his simple, rustic, and wild style, he placed great importance on the firing process of his unglazed stoneware, devoting significant effort to kiln loading, which determined the quality of his works. He was designated a Traditional Craftsman in 1986, the same year he received the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Award, and in 1989, he was awarded the Order of the Blue Paulownia Leaves in the spring decorations. He passed away in April 2004.