Bizen Shizen Nerikomi Tokkuri

Fascinated by the mystery of Bizen ware, Naoki Yokoyama became a disciple of Fumio Kawabata and inherited his master's style; this is a Bizen natural *nerikomi* (marbled) sake bottle by Yokoyama. It includes a ceramic resume from around 2003, suggesting it was created around that time. The work is crafted by intentionally keeping the clay components in a marble-like state, rather than mixing them evenly as is typical during the processing of raw clay. The surface has the texture of high-quality handmade washi paper, and the warmth and softness inherent in Bizen clay are brought out even more strongly through the *nerikomi* technique. The simple *goma* (ash glaze) firing is an excellent match, ensuring it does not distract from the clay surface, which remains the true protagonist of this piece. Original signed wooden box (with two-way struts)
Rim 3.5cm × Body diameter 8.8cm × Body diameter 8.4cm × Height 12.3cm; Capacity approx. 270cc Naoki Yokoyama is the second son of Shusui Yokoyama. Deeply moved by the mysterious nature of pottery, he entered the Bizen Ceramic Center after graduating from high school in 1991. The following year, he began an apprenticeship under Fumio Kawabata, and after four years of training, he became independent in 1996. He built his own climbing kiln in 2000. Using the natural *nerikomi* technique learned from his master, he creates vases, tea utensils, and sake vessels. He received the Prefectural Exhibition Encouragement Award in 1999 and 2000, and has been selected multiple times for the Tea Ceremony Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Branch Exhibition. He held a solo exhibition at a department store in Okayama in 2003.