{"product_id":"p7846","title":"Bizen Sake Cup","description":"This is an earlier Bizen sake cup by Masashi Yoshimoto, a dedicated pupil of Bizen ware Living National Treasure Kei Fujiwara, whose philosophy and style he inherited.\u003cbr\u003e\nJudging by the box inscription and the style, this piece is believed to have been created between the late Showa and early Heisei periods.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe entire piece is covered in a deep green, crusty *kase-goma* (ash glaze) that looks as if it were covered in moss; from a distance, the craftsmanship is so exquisite that one might mistake it for a work by his mentor, Kei Fujiwara.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA *botamochi* (a distinct mark created by protecting a section of the clay during firing) is positioned to drape over the rim at the front, creating a signature finish characteristic of the \"Fujiwara Bizen\" style.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nInside the cup, a *botamochi* is placed as if to cap the bottom—directly opposite the rim mark—successfully creating a subtle, faded crimson hue within the rich, wine-red earthy tones of the clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFollowing in the footsteps of his mentor, who aimed to create works that were bold, open-hearted, and warm, this cup is crafted with a slightly thick wall that conveys the tactile warmth of the earth.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is an unused item that was purchased new and has been carefully stored since.\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 8.1cm × 7.6cm × Height 5.3cm\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 Fujiwara passed away.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe established his own kiln in Shizutani, Bizen City, in 1975 and became independent.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAt his first kiln opening, he had works selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition, and the East Chugoku Branch Exhibition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nSubsequently, he 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\nAwards include: Okayama Prefectural Exhibition, East Chugoku Branch Exhibition, Toshinkai Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramics Exhibition, Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Ceramic Art Biennale, Yakishime Ceramic Competition, etc.","brand":"吉本 正","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618211483745,"sku":"7846","price":9900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7846.jpg?v=1790233353","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7846","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}