Bizen Guinomi

This is a Bizen sake cup by Takashi Soga, who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same environment in which Old Bizen was fired. To replicate the style of the Old Bizen period, he does not use firebricks or other modern materials; consequently, the kiln is fired in a way that defies all modern common sense regarding internal thermal efficiency. For this reason, it exhibits a superb earthy texture that transcends modern aesthetics and approaches the quality of Old Bizen. The *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings, which seem to assimilate into the surface of the clay, are remarkably refined, and the finish masterfully captures the characteristics of Old Bizen *hidasuki*. The earthy texture, which appears worn away in places, features iron deposits erupting and small pebbles peeking through, creating an outstanding atmosphere reminiscent of Old Bizen. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 6.5cm × 6.4cm × Height 5.5cm Takashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984. He studied under Jun Isezaki in 2009 and built his own kiln in Kukui, Bizen City, in 2012. He became independent and began his pottery career in 2013.