{"product_id":"p6188","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Takashi Soga, who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same environment in which ancient Bizen ware was fired.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo replicate the kiln-firing techniques of the Old Bizen period, he does not use firebricks, which did not exist at the time, and instead fires his works in an all-earthen kiln where modern firing conventions do not apply.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBecause the all-earthen kiln itself becomes a massive piece of pottery, it produces an exquisite \"tsuchiaji\" (clay character) that transcends modern aesthetics and approaches that of Old Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSoga's earthen kiln burns and transforms with every firing, a characteristic that causes the finish of his works to change slightly each time they are removed from the kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece is one of Soga's personal favorites, a sake cup featuring a unique black kiln-change (yohen) that covers about half of the surface, reminiscent of fish skin.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAt first glance, it may appear scorched or soot-stained, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a moist luster, almost like the skin of a living creature—a truly unique finish that is quintessentially Soga.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe \"nuke\" (unaffected) area retains the same silver-tinged, granite-like clay character as seen in his previous works, creating a black-and-silver contrast with the black kiln-change.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe mellow texture that has become Soga's trademark is present, making this a sake cup that is a pleasure to hold even when not drinking from it.\n\nSigned wooden box to be provided later (Please note that it will take some time before the item can be shipped.)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 6.5cm × 6.5cm × Height 5.6cm\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 his own all-earthen kiln without the use of firebricks in Kugui, Bizen City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became independent in 2013 and began his career as a potter.","brand":"曽我 尭","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618710573153,"sku":"6188","price":21000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6188.jpg?v=1790240935","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6188","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}