Bizen Kuro Guinomi

This new work was fired in May 2021.
He creates works using standard Bizen clay and applies black clay after the pieces have dried.
"Kuro" (black) is made from clay with a high iron content found in the Osafune district of Okayama Prefecture.
A small amount of cobalt is added after dissolving the clay in water to create a liquid slip.
The black clay applied to the work turns a beautiful black color when fired.
Natural ash glaze that accumulated on the kiln wall spilled over and adhered to this Guinomi.
This reacted with the black clay slip, turning into a pale blue glass.
A wooden box for this Guinomi is currently being prepared.

He was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture in 1936.
He graduated from Okayama University in 1959.
He was designated a Living National Treasure in 2004.