Bizen Yohen Large Sake Cup

This is a new Bizen yohen large sake cup, just out of the kiln by popular young artist Yoshiteru Koriki, a former apprentice to the late master Sozan Kaneshige. This latest work, fired in January 2017, features a perfect harmony between the intense yohen (kiln-change) colors born from an aggressive firing process and the magnificent scarlet hue derived from high-quality clay. The thickly fired yohen has carbonized to create a lead-like silver luster, which pairs perfectly with the refined, shiso-leaf-colored clay base typical of mountain earth. It is an exceptionally large cup, reminiscent of those favored by ancient warlords, boasting a bold style; yet, the cold, withered texture unique to Bizen clay creates a perfect balance between power and delicacy. The interior features a grand, circular "marunuke" (unfired spot) that looks as if the sun has been captured within, making it an auspicious cup evocative of a sunrise or the Japanese flag. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 14.4cm × Diameter 13.9cm × Height 5.0cm Yoshiteru Koriki was born in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. Inspired by his father's love for ceramics, he pursued a career in pottery, and after graduating high school in 1989, he apprenticed under the father-son duo Sozan and Yuho Kaneshige to master the craft. After seven years of training, he established his own climbing kiln in Shizutani, Bizen City, in 1996 and successfully held his first firing 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 "Northern Confectionery Vessels I Want to Use" exhibition, and in 2002, he was selected for the "Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition" for the first time.