Bizen Sake Cup

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by the popular young artist Yoshiteru Kouriki, a former apprentice to the master Sozan Kaneshige. This latest work, removed from the kiln in January 2017, is an excellent piece with a perfectly balanced scarlet hue and kiln transformation achieved through exquisite firing. The heavily ash-glazed, kiln-transformed surface, toasted to perfection, features areas of carbonization, most notably the striking carbonized purple-silver that is the true hallmark of wood-fired climbing kiln transformations. Yet, despite being fired to such an extent, the vitality of the clay remains unbroken; it seems to be drawn to the flames, burning with a vivid orange color as if consumed by its own life force. The interior features a charming small "marunuke" (circular gap), a signature touch of Kouriki's work. The base, wider than usual, reflects the spirit of his mentor, Sozan Kaneshige. Signed wooden box to follow (please allow some time for delivery)
6.8cm diameter x 6.7cm diameter x 5.7cm height Yoshiteru Kouriki was born in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. Inspired by his pottery-loving father, he pursued a path in ceramics, and after graduating from high school in 1989, he studied under the masters Sozan Kaneshige and his son Yuho Kaneshige. Following seven years of training, he built a climbing kiln in Shizutani, Bizen City, and established his own studio in 1996, successfully firing his first kiln the following year. He held his first solo exhibition in Tokyo in 2000 and has held annual solo exhibitions ever since. In 1999, his work was selected for the "Kita no Kashiki" (Northern Confectionery Container) exhibition, and in 2002, he was first selected for the "Chanoyu no Zokei" (Sculptural Forms for Tea) exhibition.