Bizen Kuro Tokkuri

This new work was fired in May 2021.
He creates works using standard Bizen clay, applying a black clay slip after the pieces have dried.
"Kuro" (black) is made from clay with a high iron content sourced from the Osafune district of Okayama Prefecture.
A small amount of cobalt is added after dissolving the clay in water to create a liquid consistency.
The black clay applied to the work transforms into a beautiful black finish upon firing.
Natural glaze that accumulated on the kiln wall spilled over and adhered to this Tokkuri (sake bottle).
This reacted with the liquid black clay, turning into a pale blue glass.

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.