Bizen Syuhai

This is a freshly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Shusaku Taku, an artist who shapes his work using the daily inspirations he gathers while staying close to the lives of people, which have continued uninterrupted, and which have matured alongside Bizen ware. True to Taku-sensei’s style of crafting each piece with the care to reach the heart of the recipient, this sake cup is meticulously detailed down to the finest points. The coil-built body, a specialty of Taku-sensei, possesses a profound character, resulting in a powerful yet alluring form that could never be replicated on a potter's wheel. Among this latest firing, which aimed purely for beautiful *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings, this piece displays a particularly exquisite pattern, with a rich, thick *hidasuki* draped over a white surface that seems to evoke the very scent of the clay. The well-melted yellow sesame glaze is also truly beautiful, resulting in a work that condenses the brilliance of Taku’s Bizen, inspired by masterpieces such as those of Old Bizen. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.0cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. In 2001, he graduated from the Arita College of Ceramics in Saga Prefecture and began his training under his father. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he won the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition. He has also been selected for other exhibitions, including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Kogei Chugoku Branch Exhibition.