{"product_id":"p6033","title":"Bizen ware vase with lug handles","description":"This Bizen flower vase from the Kengo period by Masamune Toko-sensei recreates the aesthetic of Old Bizen in a contemporary style, having captivated many admirers.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe vase features an imposing form and magnificent kiln-fire effects, embodying the style of Masamune-sensei, who was well-versed in Old Bizen and possessed a natural talent for wheel-thrown pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an early work by Masamune-sensei, who constantly faced and questioned the clay, burning with passion as he explored how to imbue a lump of earth with life and how to make that life shine.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA lump of clay was set on the wheel and pulled up in one go to the shoulder, from which point the rim was formed by joining additional clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile a spatula was used to some extent on the shoulders and waist, he did not rely on it; rather, he created a highly powerful form through the movement achievable only by the potter's wheel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFurthermore, the masterful firing, which draws out the best qualities of the clay, is exceptional. The rich, viscous scarlet hue on the interior has an irresistible depth, making the act of changing the flowers and water almost as enjoyable as the vase itself.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nComes with a signed paulownia wood box (with two-way battens).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 14.9cm x 13.4cm x Height 25.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\nMasamune Toko-sensei (born Kengo) was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1954.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe pursued a path in pottery at the suggestion of his grandfather, who worked at a kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter graduating from high school, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center and completed his training in 1973.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later built his own kiln in Ibe, Bizen City, in 1977 and became an independent artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe created sake vessels, flower vases, and tea utensils, primarily using the wheel and characterized by an Old Bizen style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe was recognized as a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1983.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe won the Grand Prize at the 1997 Yakishime Ceramics Exhibition and the Excellence Award at the 2000 Chanoyu Form Exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe changed his name to Masamune Toko in 2005.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn November 2006, he passed away at the young age of 53.","brand":"正宗 悟","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618024837217,"sku":"6033","price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6033.jpg?v=1790231229","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6033","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}