{"product_id":"p7633","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This Bizen sake cup by Masamune Toko is a piece that has captivated many by recreating the aesthetic of Old Bizen with a modern sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTrue to the expertise of Masamune-sensei, who was well-versed in Old Bizen and antique ceramics in general, this piece skillfully incorporates the virtues of Old Bizen into a contemporary work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFeaturing a slightly low-profile, tea bowl-style design often seen in Masamune-sensei’s sake cups, it balances the strength of expansive wheel-throwing with ease of handling and use.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt boasts a unique kiln transformation that aims for both sesame glaze (goma) and fire-cord (hidasuki) patterns simultaneously; the \"surface hidasuki\"—created by utilizing the gases generated when straw burns within a saggar—intersects on the clay surface with the \"spotted sesame\" formed by skillfully directing natural glaze through the holes of the saggar.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe hidasuki applied to the interior, in particular, is magnificent, with its soft, sophisticated coloring harmonizing perfectly with an exquisite sense of luster.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough this is an earlier work, it shows no signs of soiling or use.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.4cm x 7.1cm x Height 5.1cm\n\nMasamune Toko (Satoru) was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, in 1954.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe pursued a path in pottery at the recommendation of his grandfather, who worked at a kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAfter graduating from high school, he entered the Bizen Pottery Center, completing his studies in 1973.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe subsequently established his own kiln in Imbe, Bizen, in 1977.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe created sake vessels, flower vases, and tea utensils, primarily working on the potter's wheel and specializing in an Old Bizen-style aesthetic.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1983, he was certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe won the Grand Prize at the 1997 Yakishime Ceramics Competition and the Excellence Award at the 2000 Chanoyu Form Exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe changed his name to Masamune Toko in 2005.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe passed away in November 2006 at the young age of 53.","brand":"正宗杜康","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618202210401,"sku":"7633","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7633.jpg?v=1790233015","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7633","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}