{"product_id":"p6477","title":"Bizen cup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen sake cup by Takashi Soga, an artist who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same firing environment as that of ancient Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was removed from the kiln in December 2021.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo replicate the firing style of the ancient Bizen era, the artist avoids the use of firebricks—which did not exist at the time—and fires his pieces in a kiln constructed entirely of earth, where modern firing conventions do not apply.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe earthen kiln itself acts as one massive piece of pottery, imbuing the work with a superb earthiness that transcends modern aesthetics and approaches the quality of ancient Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn Soga’s kiln, the kiln itself transforms with every firing, which causes the finish of the pieces to constantly evolve; this particular work features a hue reminiscent of the blue Bizen pieces crafted by master artisans of the Showa era.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece primarily features a silvery surface flecked with black particles, evocative of granite, into which natural glaze has intruded along with the flames, leaving behind a landscape that looks as if it has been scorched and carbonized.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe soft texture that feels as though it has been used for decades—a hallmark of Soga’s work—is clearly evident, and this versatile piece can be enjoyed not only for the Soga Bizen aesthetic but also as a free cup for various uses.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.8cm × 7.3cm × Height 9.6cm\n\nTakashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe studied under Jun Isezaki in 2009, and in 2012, he built a kiln made entirely of earth, without the use of firebricks, in Kugu, Bizen City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became independent and began his pottery career in 2013.","brand":"曽我 尭","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618718175329,"sku":"6477","price":8800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6477.jpg?v=1790241173","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6477","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}