{"product_id":"p6814","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a newly kiln-fired Bizen sake cup (guinomi) by Mashiro Aiga, an artist who creates works that are uncompromisingly direct and full of character.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBecause Aiga-sensei specializes in the firing process among the many Bizen ware artists, one can enjoy the earthen colors and firing effects that are only born from being fired to the limit.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is rare to find a piece that so perfectly embodies the phrase \"cost is no object\" at first glance; this is one of only two finished sake cups that resulted from being thoroughly fired until they met the artist's exacting standards.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe interior of the cup features an overwhelming amount of *goma* (ash glaze) fired onto it, making one wonder if he had reached into the kiln to scoop up natural glaze from the walls or floor. However, the ash does not merely flow sloppily; rather, it is applied with striking definition, as if carefully painted on, which is truly magnificent.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form of this piece, which withstands such intense firing, is naturally quite spectacular as well, and its tension-filled design is such that one could almost call it a small tea bowl.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTypically, the more Bizen ware is fired, the harder and more compact the surface becomes, leading to a loss of color. Yet, this piece possesses a surface with an exquisite, almost wet-looking sheen, allowing one to enjoy a deep hue where reddish-purple and dark brown blend in complex ways.\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time for dispatch).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.3cm x 7.0cm x Height 6.2cm\n\nMashiro Aiga was born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1972.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe graduated from the Okayama Prefectural Bizen Pottery Center in 1997.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2003, he built a fully underground anagama kiln in Sabo.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe following year, he built a second semi-underground anagama kiln and has been dedicated to his pottery ever since.","brand":"相賀真志郎","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618063896673,"sku":"6814","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/6814.jpg?v=1790231873","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p6814","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}