{"product_id":"p7730","title":"Bizen Sparrow-Mouth Small Jar","description":"This is a Bizen sparrow-mouth small jar by Mashiro Aiga, an artist who creates works that are unwaveringly straightforward and possess real backbone.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAmong the many Bizen ware potters, it is precisely because Mr. Aiga specializes in the firing process that he is able to express the unique earthen colors and kiln effects that only emerge from thorough, intense firing.\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 a magnificent work that has been fired to perfection until it reached the artist's ideal.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBy repeatedly stacking the pieces and adjusting their positions within the kiln, complex combinations of different earthen textures and kiln transmutations have emerged, creating a remarkable surface that is both \"moist yet dry,\" reminiscent of ancient Bizen ware.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTypically, the more Bizen ware is fired, the harder and more tightly vitrified it becomes, often losing its vibrancy; however, this piece forms a rich, dense earthen texture centered around a *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern with a moist appearance, offering a glimpse into the new Bizen that Mr. Aiga aims to create, one that transcends the ancient style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe center of the piece features a \"nuke\" (a void or break in color) with a dry texture, and the subtly scattered *hidasuki* creates scenery that could easily be mistaken for genuine ancient Bizen.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe charm of this piece lies in its unpretentious, simple form, characteristic of Mr. Aiga, who loves antique Bizen and Shigaraki wares. Its simplicity makes it versatile, perfectly suited for use as a *katakuchi* sake server or as a vase for flowers.\n\nOriginal signed wooden box to follow (please note that it will take some time to ship).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 10.0cm x 10.0cm x Height 10.4cm\n\nMashiro Aiga was born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1972.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe graduated from the Bizen Ceramic Art Center in Okayama Prefecture in 1997.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 2003, he built a fully underground *anagama* (tunnel kiln) in Sabakaze.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe following year, he built his second, semi-underground *anagama*, where he continues to devote himself to his craft.","brand":"相賀真志郎","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618206142561,"sku":"7730","price":39600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7730.jpg?v=1790233169","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7730","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}