{"product_id":"p6034","title":"E-Karatsu Sake Cup","description":"This is an earlier E-Karatsu sake cup by Munehiko Maruta, an artist born in Karatsu who continuously explores new forms of expression while conducting research on antique Karatsu pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough the potter's biography is not included, this piece dates back about 8 to 10 years.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nReflecting Maruta-sensei’s characteristic style of researching antique Karatsu from various periods and incorporating those findings into his own work, this piece possesses a sophisticated, weathered aesthetic within the rustic simplicity expected of Karatsu ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe glaze quality is particularly exceptional, likely the result of carefully researched blending and his skillful firing techniques, utilizing two different kilns.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe glaze exhibits a slight crawling, known as *kairagi* (plum blossom skin), around the interior and the base; this, combined with the gray glaze tones that hold a subtle hint of pale blue, creates a truly charming landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe fine crackle pattern is also magnificent, immediately sparking a desire to nurture the piece, and allows one to fully enjoy the essence of Karatsu, which has been prized since ancient times for its masterpieces of sake vessels.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe iron-oxide decoration, featured only on the rim and the front, possesses a wonderful wabi-sabi quality, showcasing the masterful, understated aesthetic for which Maruta-sensei is renowned in his E-Karatsu work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease note that while this is an earlier work, it shows no signs of use, odors, or stains.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-zan construction)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.1cm × 7.1cm × Height 5.8cm\n\nMunehiko Maruta was born in 1961 into a family of potters in Takeo, Saga Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1980, he began his apprenticeship under Tokuya Hamada in Mashiko.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe established his own studio in Kuromuta, Arita, Saga Prefecture in 1984.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe built his own kilns in 1987 and 2000, respectively.","brand":"丸田宗彦","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618025033825,"sku":"6034","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6034.jpg?v=1790231230","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6034","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}