{"product_id":"p6137","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This Bizen sake cup (guinomi) is by Takashi Soga, an artist who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same environment in which Old Bizen was fired.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo replicate the kiln-firing techniques of the Old Bizen period, the artist avoids the use of firebricks—which did not exist at the time—and fires his work in an all-earth kiln where modern kiln-firing logic does not apply.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe all-earth kiln itself functions as one massive piece of pottery; consequently, it produces an exquisite \"tsuchi-aji\" (the flavor of the clay) that transcends contemporary aesthetics and approaches the quality of Old Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSoga's earth kiln transforms with every firing, a characteristic that causes the finish of his pieces to change slightly with each opening of the kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn this piece, the artist's signature understated \"hidasuki\" (fire-cord) skin shifts abruptly, with a layer of ash—appearing almost carbonized—covering half the vessel.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAt first glance, it may look burnt or soot-stained, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a moist luster reminiscent of wet stone—a unique, peerless finish characteristic of Soga’s work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSoga’s clay texture has always captivated Old Bizen enthusiasts with its distinctive character, but this piece is further enhanced by a striking \"kin-sai hidasuki\" (gold-toned fire-cord) that glimmers with a blue-silver sheen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nStarting with this piece, while the simple form remains, the work has been given a slightly thicker body.\n\nSigned wooden box to be provided at a later date (please note that some time will be required before shipment).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.0cm x 5.9cm x Height 5.5cm\n\nTakashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2009, he began an apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSubsequently, in 2012, he built an all-earth kiln without the use of firebricks in Kugu-i, Bizen City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became independent in 2013 and began his career as a ceramic artist.","brand":"曽我 尭","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618034864225,"sku":"6137","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6137.jpg?v=1790231308","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6137","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}