Bizen-nuri clay fire-cord sake cup

This is a Bizen "nuri-tsuchi" (painted clay) hi-dasuki sake cup by Yoshiteru Koriki, a popular young artist and a direct apprentice of the master Sozan Kaneshige. This latest work, fired in January 2017, features a completely novel concept: applying a layer of slip over a base of "ta-tsuchi" (rice paddy clay) before firing it with hi-dasuki (fire cord) patterns. The slip, applied with a brush, turns white like a feldspar glaze, and combined with the reddish-brown base clay, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of "nerikomi" (marbled clay). Regarding the texture of the surface, it differs significantly from standard hi-dasuki, featuring a slightly rough quality; its unique touch, similar to Japanese washi paper, is something new not seen in Koriki's previous works. Even with the slip applied, the beautiful coloring of the hi-dasuki remains intact, with its smooth texture forming a contrast against the slip. The foot is relatively wide, with a finish that is reminiscent of the works of Master Sozan. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.4cm x Diameter 6.3cm x Height 5.4cm Yoshiteru Koriki was born in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. Influenced by his father, who loved pottery, he aspired to become a ceramic artist. After graduating from high school, he began studying ceramic techniques in 1989 under the father-son duo Sozan and Yuho Kaneshige. 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, he was selected for the "Exhibition of Confectionery Vessels from the North You'd Want to Use," and in 2002, he was selected for the "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" for the first time.