Bizen Sake Cup

This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Takashi Soga, who challenges the beauty of the past by recreating the same environment in which ancient Bizen ware was fired. To replicate the style of the Old Bizen period, no refractory bricks or modern materials were used; consequently, the kiln—which defies all modern conventional wisdom regarding thermal efficiency—produced this piece, resulting in an exquisite clay texture that transcends modern aesthetics to approach that of Old Bizen. In addition to the refined earthiness derived from high-quality clay, layers of *goma* (ash glaze) and *hidasuki* (fire-cord) overlap to create a rich, viscous, perilla-colored surface. The marvelous, indescribable blend of brownish, perilla, and orange hues is so captivating that one might almost imagine the cup melting under the warmth of one's fingertips. Yet, like Old Bizen, it is fired thoroughly to the very core of the clay, and the crisp yellow *goma* and slightly weathered texture evoke an irresistible *wabi* charm. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 6.1cm × Diameter 6.1cm × Height 5.6cm Takashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984. He studied under Jun Isezaki in 2009 and built his kiln in Kuku-i, Bizen City, in 2012. He began his independent career as a ceramic artist in 2013.