Bizen Yunomi

This is a Bizen tea cup from the "Satoru" period by the late Masamune Toko, an artist who captivated many with his modern recreations of the aesthetic of ancient Bizen ware. As one would expect from an artist deeply versed in ancient Bizen and antique ceramics in general, this piece skillfully incorporates the virtues of old Bizen into a contemporary work. It features the bamboo-joint style design often seen in Masamune's work, achieving a balance between the elegance of the wheel-thrown form and ease of handling. The finish is characterized by a subdued firing centered on *sangiri* (reduction firing) and the inherent quality of the clay, showcasing the excellence of the material as one would expect from such a diligent researcher. Hints of *kin-sai hidaski* (gold-toned fire-cord decoration) appear on the interior, making for a fascinating finish that reveals more the longer you look at it. Signed wooden box (drop-lid style)
Left: Diameter 7.3cm x 7.3cm x Height 8.4cm
Right: Diameter 7.7cm x 7.6cm x Height 8.1cm Masamune Toko (Satoru) was encouraged to pursue a path in pottery by his grandfather, who worked at a kiln. After graduating from high school, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center to study ceramic techniques. In 1977, he built his own kiln in Imbe, Bizen City, and became an independent artist. He created works such as flower vases, *henko* (flattened) jars, and sake bottles, primarily using the potter's wheel and featuring an ancient Bizen style. In 1983, he became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. He won the Grand Prize at the Yakishime Ceramics Exhibition in 1997 and the Excellence Award at the Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition in 2000. He held solo exhibitions in various cities, including Tokyo and Yokohama. In 2005, he changed his name to Masamune Toko. He passed away in November 2006 at the young age of 53.