Hidasuki Guinomi

This is a newly fired Bizen *hidasuki* sake cup by Tomio Ochi, an artist who has been working silently and diligently at his kiln under the guidance of Yasuhito安倍, pouring his unfulfilled artistic aspirations into his ceramics. The *hidasuki* markings, which seem to soak deeply and stickily into the clay surface, are a testament to Ochi-sensei’s reputation for excellence in this technique, allowing the viewer to enjoy the high-density "planar" *hidasuki* characteristic of his mentor Yasuhito Abe and antique Bizen pieces. Having been meticulously shaped over time and fired at an extremely high temperature, the cup possesses a tangible sense of presence and a high-density, rock-hard quality when held. The dense *hidasuki* combined with the tightly fired clay body creates a unique "profound weight" that is inimitable, leaving an unforgettable impact upon the viewer. Unlike his usual inverted triangular or bowl-shaped works, this piece features a deep interior similar to a Setoguro tea bowl, making for a remarkably large and powerful sake cup. Signed wooden box to follow W7.0cm×6.6cm×H6.0cm Tomio Ochi graduated from Ehime Prefectural Niihama Technical High School in 1949. In 1952, he moved to Tokyo to study oil painting and sculpture. Thereafter, he pursued painting and sculpture while working at a company. In 1997, he visited Yasuhito Abe in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, to receive his tutelage, and in 1998, he built his own kiln in Ushimado, where he has been working on Bizen ware, drawing on his background in sculpture and painting.