Bizen Sake Jar

This is a newly fired Bizen sake jar by Takashi Soga, an artist who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same environmental conditions under which ancient Bizen ware was fired. To replicate the style of the ancient Bizen era, no firebricks or similar materials are used; consequently, the kiln is fired in a manner that defies modern common sense regarding thermal efficiency, resulting in a superb clay texture that transcends modern aesthetics and approaches that of ancient Bizen. Based on the *suzume-kuchi* (sparrow-mouth) small jars found in ancient Bizen, Soga has evolved the design by elongating the lower body like a *tane-tsubo* (seed jar) to improve its utility as a sake vessel, creating a more stylish and smart form. As the name *shuko* (sake jar) suggests, it can hold a little over one *go* (approx. 180ml) and can be used as a *katakuchi* (spouted bowl) for pouring sake, as a jar-shaped cup, or with a wooden lid as a lidded container—a design that titillates the playful spirit. The piece features a rich ash-covered surface with areas of *nuke* (uncovered spots) where the austere texture of the clay emerges, yet the skin remains exceptionally soft and moist, a finish that is truly characteristic of Soga’s work. Signed box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 8.8cm x Diameter 8.7cm x Height 11.1cm; Capacity approx. 300cc Takashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984. He studied under Jun Isezaki in 2009 and built his kiln in Kugu, Bizen City, in 2012. He became independent and began his pottery career in 2013.