Bizen Syuhai

This is a freshly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Shusaku Taku, who breathes new life into his work by using the daily inspirations of life as his creative yeast, crafting pieces that have matured alongside the long, unbroken history of human activity. True to Taku-sensei’s style of carefully crafting each piece with the intention of touching the heart of its recipient, this sake cup is meticulously detailed down to the finest points. It possesses an incredibly graceful and honest form; while its maximum width and height are nearly identical at 6.8–6.9 cm, it stands with such remarkable poise that it creates the illusion of being taller than it is. Among this firing, which was dedicated to achieving pure, beautiful *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings, this piece features a particularly stunning pattern, with a thick, rich *hidasuki* draped over a white clay surface that feels as though it carries the scent of the earth. The scattered flecks of yellow *goma* (ash glaze) are also truly beautiful, resulting in a piece that distills the very best of Taku’s Bizen work, inspired by masterpieces like Old Bizen. Signed wooden box (shiho-san style)
Diameter 6.8cm × Diameter 6.6cm × Height 6.9cm Shusaku Taku was born in 1980 as the eldest son of Mamoru Taku. In 2001, he graduated from the Saga Prefectural Arita College of Ceramics and began his apprenticeship under his father. In 2002, he received the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 2004, he won the Excellence Award at the Tanabe Museum of Art’s Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition. He has also had works selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition.