{"product_id":"p7357","title":"Bizen ware free cup","description":"This is a brand-new Bizen free cup, freshly removed from the kiln by Mr. Takashi Soga, who challenges the beauty of antiquity by recreating the same environment in which ancient Bizen ware was fired.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece was fired in May 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo replicate the kiln-firing techniques of the ancient Bizen era, the artist avoids using modern refractory bricks, firing his works in a kiln constructed entirely of clay—a method where the conventions of modern firing do not apply.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe all-clay kiln itself acts as one massive piece of pottery, resulting in a supreme earthen texture that transcends modern aesthetics and approaches that of ancient Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFor this firing, the artist undertook an unprecedented 19-day process, resulting in a rich, rust-red earthen hue characteristic of ancient Bizen, accented by the extremely fine-grained \"kase-goma\" (matte ash glaze) that is Mr. Soga's signature style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA fusion mark from contact with another piece is visible at the center of the cup, speaking to the intense heat of the firing. This mark serves to bring the piece even closer to the atmosphere of ancient Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe very fine-grained, matte ash glaze covering half of the piece gives it a rounded texture that, in a positive sense, makes it hard to believe it is Bizen ware. It is a magnificent kiln transformation that invites you to hold it in your palm forever.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe base earthen texture is a mysterious, rust-red color, combined with black spots caused by the eruption of iron and other minerals within the clay, as well as a soft skin-like feel. These elements create the chilled, weathered texture of ancient Bizen-style pottery that can only be achieved through an all-clay kiln.\n\nNo box\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.7cm x 7.6cm x Height 9.8cm\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 an all-clay kiln without the use of refractory bricks in Kuku-i, 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":46618131365985,"sku":"7357","price":8800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7357.jpg?v=1790232591","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7357","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}