{"product_id":"p7193","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is a Bizen sake cup by Masashi Yoshimoto, a devoted pupil of the late Bizen ware Living National Treasure, Kei Fujiwara, who inherited his philosophy and style. \u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough it comes with a biography dating back to around 2010, this piece was actually created earlier, between the early and mid-1990s.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front features a 'botamochi' marking that seems to envelop the surface, perfectly capturing the quintessential firing style of Fujiwara Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFollowing his mentor’s pursuit of bold, unconstrained, and heartwarming craftsmanship, this sake cup is somewhat thick, yet carries a warmth that speaks to the essence of the clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe front displays a striking combination of a vibrant half-moon botamochi and deep green 'kase-goma' ash glaze, the interior is finished in a brilliant scarlet 'hi-iro' (fire color) that beautifully enhances the appearance of the sake, and the reverse side features a luxurious landscape of an autumnal full-moon botamochi and 'haikaburi' (ash-covered) markings.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDespite being an older work, there are no signs of use or stains.\n\nSigned wooden box (double-batten) included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter: 7.0cm x 6.9cm, Height: 5.9cm\n\nMasashi Yoshimoto was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1943.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1964, he became a live-in apprentice to Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe studied under him for 19 years until Master Fujiwara's passing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1975, he built his own kiln in Shizutani, Bizen, and became an independent artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAt his first kiln opening, he was selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, and the East Chugoku Branch Exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe subsequently became a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 1986.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe received the Kaneshige Toyo Award in 1988.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2007, he was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAward history: Okayama Prefectural Exhibition, East Chugoku Branch Exhibition, Toshinkai Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramic Art Exhibition, Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Ceramic Art Biennale, Yakishime Ceramic Open Competition, etc.","brand":"吉本 正","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618095616097,"sku":"7193","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7193.jpg?v=1790232336","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7193","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}