Bizen Syuhai

This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Yoshinobu Morimoto, an artist with an exceptional aesthetic sense who is constantly evolving in his approach to clay, firing, and craftsmanship. This Bizen-style piece, which Morimoto himself describes as "kaburimono" (covered/layered), features overlapping layers of sesame glaze (goma) and fire-scorched patterns (sangiri) that form a profound, kiln-altered exterior. However, the true essence of this work lies in the exquisite "nuke" (clear spaces) created during the firing process of that layered surface, offering superb shadows that emerge from the densely fired clay body. Rather than the soft-fired "nuke" often seen in contemporary Bizen, he has pursued the tightly fired "nuke" that was authentically present in antique Bizen pottery, resulting in a three-dimensional, dense texture that adds layered complexity to a rich, chocolate-like clay surface. The profound "kaburimono" created through this process is a masterpiece in its own right, complemented by a wet-looking sangiri glaze and yellow sesame deposits that seem as though they could be picked right off the surface. By avoiding the trap of focusing solely on intense firing or solely on soft, earthy qualities, all these elements interweave to create an exquisite texture. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 7.4cm x 7.0cm x Height 5.9cm 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. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, his works were selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's "Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition." In 2008, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Sake Ware Exhibition" at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo, and in 2009, he participated in the "Contemporary Tea Bowl Exhibition" at the same venue. He continues to hold solo exhibitions throughout the country, including a feature exhibition at Tenmaya in Okayama in 2010.