Ibe Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle

This is a new Ibe-te gourd-shaped sake bottle by Tomio Ochi, an artist who diligently devoted himself to kiln firing under the guidance of Anjin Abe, and continues to pour his insatiable passion into his ceramics. It is an Ibe-te piece with a powerful impact, showcasing Ochi’s signature unconventional and creative style. While Ibe-te typically involves applying a different type of clay over the base body, Ochi’s version is a rich, dense black, appearing as though molten iron has been painted onto the surface; the iron-like skin emits an eerie, lustrous sheen. Even more striking is the black, crystal-like "goma" (ash glaze) on the front, which he achieved by mixing special clay with ash. This combination of an iron-black surface and black-crystal goma stands impressively alongside the "black glaze" works that are a major brand within Bizen pottery. Signed box to follow (please allow some time for shipping)
Mouth 2.6cm x Body diameter 8.0cm x Body diameter 8.0cm x Height 13.2cm; Capacity: approx. 210cc Tomio Ochi was born in Ehime Prefecture in 1949 and graduated from Ehime Prefectural Niihama Technical High School.

From 1969, while working for a company, he studied painting and sculpture at Taka Art.

In 1976, he received instruction and mentorship while serving as a kiln-firing assistant to Anjin Abe in Ehime Prefecture.

In 1998, he built his own kiln on the premises of Anjin Abe's studio in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture.

He applies his experience in sculpture and painting to his work in Bizen ware.