Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Tosan Mori, who was born as a direct descendant of the historic Mori family, one of the six traditional Bizen kiln families, and continues to protect the kilns' fires as they have burned since ancient times. While the body is modeled after a hexagonal yellow Seto sake cup, the artist has added a distinctive, original touch typical of a veteran master by incorporating a "goke-zoko" (go-stone container style) base. Using high-quality clay befitting a family with a long ceramic tradition, the earth itself possesses an indescribable depth, glowing with shades of reddish-purple and pink. To ensure the appearance changes when viewing each of the six sides, the artist has skillfully employed light gray ash-covering and "botamochi" (mochi-cake-like) patterns to create variety in the landscape. Signed wooden box (double-slatted)
Diameter 6.2cm x 6.0cm x Height 5.5cm Born into the Mori family, one of the six historic Bizen-yaki kiln families, Tosan Mori grew up with a love for craftsmanship and entered the world of pottery. He studied ceramic techniques under his father, Takeyama Mori, starting in 1957, and became independent in 1967. He built a climbing kiln in the spring of 1984 and a semi-underground anagama kiln that autumn. In 1969, he was selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for the first time, and in 1976, he became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 1983, he built an anagama kiln at Ibe Daimyojin to conduct research into the clay quality and landscapes of ancient Bizen ware. Since becoming independent, he has held solo exhibitions primarily at department stores throughout Japan. In 2002, he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the national government.