{"product_id":"p6527","title":"Bizen Tea Cup","description":"This Bizen teacup is the work of Takashi Soga, an artist who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same environment in which Old Bizen (Ko-Bizen) was fired.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo replicate the kiln-firing style of the Old Bizen era, he eschews the use of modern refractory bricks, which did not exist at the time, and fires his pieces in a kiln constructed entirely of earth—a method that defies modern firing conventions.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBecause the all-earth kiln itself functions as one massive piece of pottery, it produces an exceptional \"tsuchi-aji\" (clay flavor) that transcends modern aesthetics and approaches the quality of Old Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn Soga-sensei’s kiln, the earth structure itself transforms with every firing, a characteristic that ensures the finish of his works is in constant flux. This particular piece features his signature understated \"hidasuki\" (fire-cord) pattern with subtle traces of gold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nUnlike the sharp, distinct contrast between the clay surface and the fire-cord often seen in modern Bizen ware, this piece captures the landscape found in casual Old Bizen works, where the fire-cord and the clay surface appear to have merged into one.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThough the fire-cord is so delicate it might almost be overlooked, its finish—appearing as if it has seeped deeply into the clay—possesses a truly exceptional quality.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece does not bear the pale red of an under-fired piece, but rather a \"firmly fired red,\" layered with somber, dark-brown fire-cord markings that magnificently recreate the texture of Old Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you use it, the surface will become polished, evolving into a matte texture and drawing closer to the unadorned, primitive power inherent in Old Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSoga-sensei’s dedication to his craft has resulted in a piece that is exceptionally lightweight.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter: 7.1cm x 7.1cm, Height: 9.2cm\n\nTakashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe began his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki in 2009, and in 2012, he built an all-earth kiln that utilizes no refractory bricks in Kugu-i, Bizen City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe became independent and began his career as a potter in 2013.","brand":"曽我 尭","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618718732385,"sku":"6527","price":8800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6527.jpg?v=1790241200","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6527","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}