Bizen Syuhai

This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup by Yoshinobu Morimoto, an artist with an exceptional aesthetic sense who is in a constant state of evolution regarding clay, firing, and form. This piece is a "kaburimono" (layered ware)—a term Morimoto himself uses—featuring layers of *goma* (ash glaze) and *sangiri* (reduction-fired grey tones) that create a rich, profound kiln-transmutation finish. However, the true essence of this work lies in the exquisite "nuke" (clear, unglazed patches) born from the firing process of these layers, revealing superb shadows within the hard-fired surface. This is not the soft-fired "nuke" often seen in contemporary Bizen, but rather a pursuit of the hard-fired, clear patches once present in ancient Bizen pottery. By adding these layers and "nuke" to a rich, chocolate-like clay body, he has completed a three-dimensional and dense texture. The profound, layered finish created through this process is a masterpiece, and the wet-looking *sangiri* and the yellow *goma* that looks as if it could be plucked from the surface are magnificent. Rather than simply aiming for intense firing or conversely for a soft, earthy flavor, all these elements are complexly intertwined to create an exquisite texture. Signed wooden box (Shihozan) included
Diameter 7.3cm x 7.1cm x Height 5.8cm 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 Japan. He was selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition" in 2005, 2006, and 2007. In 2008, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Sake Vessels Exhibition" at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo. In 2009, he exhibited at the "Contemporary Tea Bowl Exhibition" at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo. In 2010, he held a solo exhibition titled "Yoshinobu Morimoto Special Feature" at Tenmaya in Okayama, among many others throughout the country.