{"product_id":"p5925","title":"Bizen sake cup","description":"This Bizen sake cup is by Mamoru Taku, a self-confessed and widely recognized \"clay enthusiast\" who continues on an endless journey of research.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is an avant-garde piece created using a special clay characteristic of Taku-sensei, the enthusiast; \u003cbr\u003e\nwhile the clay is naturally brittle and possesses a smooth, flat color, \u003cbr\u003e\nhe has turned these qualities into advantages to craft a piece with a primitive charm.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBecause of the brittle nature of the clay, the response to the spatula is superb, \u003cbr\u003e\nand the trimming around the base and the vertical faceted spatula marks stir the surface of the clay, drawing out an exquisite allure.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe foot utilizes the nature of the clay to create \"chirimen-jiwa\" (crepe-like wrinkles) reminiscent of Karatsu ware, \u003cbr\u003e\ncreating a well-balanced piece that features an interesting foot and a pleasing contrast with the design of the body.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAsh glaze has been applied with a brush near the rim as an accent that stands out against the parched body.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.5cm × 6.3cm × Height 4.8cm\n\nMamoru Taku was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1952.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe studied the basics of pottery at the Bizen Ceramic Art Center, and from 1980, he apprenticed under Takaaki Kimura to refine his skills.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1983, he built a climbing kiln in the then-town of Saeki, Wake District, and in November, he fired his first kiln and became an independent artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1998, he moved his studio to Takebe-cho and built a semi-underground anagama (tunnel kiln).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe excels in the research of clay and produces a wide range of works, including sake vessels, flower vases, and tea utensils, with a focus on hi-dasuki (fire-cord) techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has been selected for numerous exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the China International Ceramics Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, and the Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition.","brand":"多久 守","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618017857633,"sku":"5925","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5925.jpg?v=1790231162","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p5925","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}