Bizen Tokkuri

This is a new Bizen sake flask by Takashi Soga, fresh from a June kiln opening, created by challenging the aesthetics of antiquity by replicating the same environment in which Old Bizen was fired. To reproduce the style of the Old Bizen era, no firebricks were used; consequently, it was fired in a kiln where modern common sense regarding internal heat efficiency does not apply at all. Because of this, it exhibits an exquisite earthen quality that transcends modern beauty, closely approaching that of Old Bizen. It is magnificent, successfully achieving the extremely difficult finish of a "glossy yet matte surface"—something not seen in modern climbing kilns. In the firing process, straw was deliberately scattered haphazardly, just as it was in Old Bizen, with the melted straw creating various transformations within the sesame glaze. In particular, the flowing sesame glaze on the front creates a depth reminiscent of oil painting, while around the base, the straw transforms into fine, thread-like sesame markings that evoke Old Bizen and are truly spectacular to behold. The hexagonal form is also wonderful, with deeper carving around the base that adds a sense of precision and sharpness. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included.
Rim 4.0cm x Body 8.8cm x Body 8.5cm x Height 13.8cm; Capacity: approx. 440cc Takashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984. He apprenticed under Jun Isezaki in 2009 and built his kiln in Kukui, Bizen City, in 2012. He became independent and began his career as a ceramic artist in 2013.