{"product_id":"p7204","title":"Bizen Natural Nerikomi Tea Bowl","description":"This is a slightly earlier work of Bizen natural-kneaded (neri-komi) tea bowl by Naoki Yokoyama, who was captivated by the mystery of Bizen ware and studied under the late Fumio Kawabata.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJudging from the condition of the box and the style of the work, it appears to have been created between the early and mid-Heisei period.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece is created using the \"natural nerikomi\" technique, in which various components of the clay—which are normally blended together during the refinement process from raw clay—are intentionally left unmixed to create a marble-like expression.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe clay surface has a depth reminiscent of high-quality handmade washi paper, and the warmth and softness inherent in Bizen clay are further enhanced by the kneading process.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAnother attraction of natural nerikomi is that because the bowl is built up by tightening the clay using the coil-building method, the highly dense clay possesses a rich presence, as if it were expanding through cell division.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe form, which feels as if it were one with the palm of the hand—a result of careful study of ancient ceramics and various tea utensils—is also appealing; rather than simply showcasing his master's techniques, he has firmly constructed an expression suited to the natural nerikomi production method.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe firing, which features only a faint *hidasuki* (fire cord) pattern resembling a light, airy veil, is a perfect match for this work, where the clay surface itself takes center stage without becoming cluttered.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough it is an earlier work, there are no stains or signs of use.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 12.5cm x 11.5cm x Height 6.9cm\n\nNaoki Yokoyama was born in 1970 in Osafune-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of Shusui Yokoyama.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMoved by the mystery of pottery, he entered the Bizen Ceramic Center in 1991 after graduating from high school.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1992, he became an apprentice to Fumio Kawabata, and after about four years of training, he became independent in 1996.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2000, he built a climbing kiln in Kagato, Bizen City, and established himself as an independent artist.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe produces vases, tea utensils, and sake vessels using the natural nerikomi technique he learned from his master.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has received numerous selections for exhibitions, including the Tanabe Art Museum's \"The Art of Tea\" exhibition, the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and its Chugoku branch exhibitions.","brand":"横山直樹","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618097582177,"sku":"7204","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7204.jpg?v=1790232353","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7204","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}