{"product_id":"p8027","title":"Bizen Mitsuishi Mug","description":"This is a new Bizen Mitsuishi mug by Sohei Takashima, who made a spectacular debut after graduating from the studio of Jun Isezaki and receiving the Japan Ceramic Society’s Award for Encouragement of Contemporary Ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis mug was created by Mr. Takashima, who apprenticed under the fifth Living National Treasure for Bizen ware, Jun Isezaki, before establishing his own independent studio in Ushimado, Setouchi City.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe piece is crafted by mixing Bizen clay with pyrophyllite (roseki) from the Mitsuishi district in eastern Bizen, resulting in a white surface that resembles unbaked clay.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe finely crushed, local Mitsuishi pyrophyllite gives the mug an incredibly smooth texture that lives up to its porcelain-like appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to the nature of the clay, the piece is designed to \"mature\" significantly with use; as the colors of tea or coffee gently soak into the material, it gradually takes on a hue reminiscent of traditional earthenware, as if it were being fired again.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nBy completely stripping away any sense of artifice to suit the quality and color of the clay, the artist has achieved a simple, quiet design that perfectly complements the clean, refined aesthetic of the work.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 11.6cm x 8.3cm x Height 7.1cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n*Please note that a shipping fee of 800 yen will be charged.\n\nSohei Takashima was born in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, in 1991.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe graduated from the Department of Design at Dohto University in 2014 and immediately began his apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe is currently working independently in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis accolades and exhibitions include the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Encouragement Award, selection for the Tabe Museum's \"Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition,\" the Tobi Exhibition Encouragement Award, selection for the Contemporary Tea Ceramics Exhibition, and the Japan Ceramic Society’s Award for Encouragement of Contemporary Ceramics.","brand":"高島聡平","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618231636065,"sku":"8027","price":4400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8027.jpg?v=1790233640","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8027","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}