{"product_id":"p5181","title":"Bizen sake bottle","description":"This Bizen sake bottle is from the \"Satoru\" period of Masamune Toko, an artist who captivated many by recreating the aesthetic of ancient Bizen pottery with a contemporary touch. Reflecting Masamune’s deep expertise in ancient Bizen and historical ceramics in general, this piece masterfully incorporates the virtues of ancient Bizen into a modern work. It brings to mind the story of how Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property holder Matsui Koyo, while serving as an instructor at the Ceramic Center, once praised the young Masamune’s pottery wheel skills after seeing him work. The piece possesses a refined and elegant appearance that might momentarily make one mistake it for the work of Kaneshige Toyo, yet it maintains a perfect lightness—a testament to his masterful wheel work and profound knowledge of antique ceramics. The firing is magnificent, with gray ash glazing on the shoulder and a rich, melting scarlet hue on the front; similar ash and scarlet tones appear inside the mouth rim, offering a stunning view when in use.\n\nSigned wooden box (double-braced)\nMouth diameter 3.6cm x Body diameter 8.9cm x Body diameter 8.8cm x Height 13.0cm, Capacity approx. 350cc\n\nMasamune Toko (Satoru) set his sights on the path of pottery at the urging of his grandfather, who worked at a kiln. After graduating from high school, he entered the Bizen Ceramic Center to study pottery techniques. In 1977, he built a kiln in Inbe, Bizen City, and became an independent artist. He produced works such as flower vases, flattened flasks, and sake bottles. His work was primarily wheel-thrown and characterized by an ancient Bizen style. He became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1983. In 1997, he won the Grand Prize at the Yakishime Ceramics Competition, and in 2000, he received the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition. He held solo exhibitions in various locations, 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.","brand":"正宗 悟","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618672037985,"sku":"5181","price":16000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5181.jpg?v=1790239924","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p5181","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}