{"product_id":"p6154","title":"Bizen ware sake cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Rokuro Nakamura, a traditional craftsman whom Bizen prides itself on and who was hailed as the god of sake vessel making.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJudging from the style and form, it is believed to have been made when Nakamura was around 70 years old.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWhile Nakamura's sake cups tended to become larger in his later years, this piece measures approximately 7.5cm in width, a moderate size from just before his final period.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough a soft gray kiln-change appears across the entire piece, there is no rough texture; instead, it has developed a very soft, rounded quality, reflecting the extraordinary affection the previous owner had for this cup.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe scarlet clay base, which complements the kiln-change and is a desirable feature for sake vessels, appears on the front and inside of the cup. It is not the vivid, bright red \"nuke\" characteristic of the Nakamura family, but rather an elegant orange hue that evokes the impression of the Kaneshige school.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rim, shaped in a wavy style synonymous with Rokuro Nakamura, features a gentle triangular design with three peaks, forming the unique mouth that has captivated both heavy drinkers and pottery enthusiasts alike.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBeyond the rim, the lightly constricted body is also masterfully finished, providing a fit that, as one would expect from a master, seems to be drawn into the palm of the hand.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThere are signs of use, but no stains or other damage.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san type) *Box lacks cord\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.5cm x 7.4cm x Height 5.4cm\n\nRokuro Nakamura was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1914.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe worked for a company until the end of World War II, but was mentored by Toyo Kaneshige, from whom he learned kiln-firing techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe later built his own Rokuro Kiln and went independent in 1961.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1986, he was certified as a traditional craftsman and received the Okayama Nichinichi Shimbun Award that same year.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1989, he was awarded the Order of the Blue Paulownia Leaves in the spring decorations.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe produced works including flower vases and tea utensils, but focused primarily on sake vessels, which were particularly well-received by pottery enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in April 2004.","brand":"中村六郎","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618036535393,"sku":"6154","price":150000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6154.jpg?v=1790231322","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6154","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}