Bizen Tokkuri

This is a freshly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Yoshinobu Morimoto, an artist with an exceptional aesthetic sense who is constantly evolving in his mastery of clay, firing, and craftsmanship. This Bizen-style piece, which Morimoto himself refers to as "kaburimono" (layered glaze/ash effects), features multiple overlapping layers of *goma* (ash glaze) and *sangiri* (reduction-fired markings), creating a deep, profound kiln-transmuted "garment" across the surface. However, the true essence of this work lies in the exquisite "nuke" (openings or highlight patches) that emerge during the firing process of these layers; the contrast of light and shadow produced within the hard-fired surface is truly magnificent. Rather than the superficial "nuke" often seen in contemporary Bizen, he has pursued the tightly fired "nuke" that was authentically present in antique Bizen, adding layers of *kaburimono* and *nuke* to a dense, chocolate-colored clay body to complete a three-dimensional, rich texture. The heavy, layered effects born from this process are exquisite, with wet-looking *sangiri* and yellow *goma* so vivid they appear as though they could be plucked from the surface. He does not aim solely for intense firing or conversely for a soft, earthy quality, but rather creates a supreme texture through the complex intertwining of all these elements. This piece is a *tokkuri* (sake bottle) with a foot, inspired by Joseon dynasty ceramics—a masterful form that reflects Morimoto’s deep love for antique pottery. Signed wooden box (please allow some time for shipment)
Mouth 3.6cm × Body 10.5cm × 9.3cm × Height 11.6cm Capacity approx. 360cc Yoshinobu Morimoto was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1976. He completed his studies at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1996. After working independently, he held his first solo exhibition in Tokyo in 2004. Since then, he has held annual solo exhibitions primarily in Tokyo and across the country. He was selected for the Tanabe Art Museum's "The Art of Tea" exhibition in 2005, 2006, and 2007. In 2008, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Artists Sake Vessel Exhibition" at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo. In 2009, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Artists Tea Bowl Exhibition" at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo. He has held numerous solo exhibitions, including a "Yoshinobu Morimoto Special Exhibition" at Tenmaya, Okayama, in 2010.