Bizen Tokkuri Sake Flask

Ceramics

Craft Artist: Hitoshi Morimoto

ORIGIN: Bizen, Okayama Prefecture
RELEASE: 2019
SIZE: Φ93 ×H128 mm
MATERIAL: Clay

Beauty that nestles into our daily lives

Well fired at high temperatures, this sake server exhibits an unglazed surface that is pleasant to the touch. This expression of Bizen ware seems to speak to us of a universal beauty that has been familiar for a long time.

The “Bizen Tokkuri Sake Flask” by Hitoshi Morimoto is an excellent example of one of the unique expressions of Bizen ware called “goma” (sesame), with the ashes falling on the shoulders of the bottle creating a beautiful pattern. From the softly rounded body to the neck, a well-balanced curve is drawn, and the mouth is thin and sharp. Hitoshi’s hand-crafted oak modeling tool is used to carve around the kodai (foot), the marks of his handiwork giving a warm expression. When you pick it up, a gentle weight settles into your palm, and it becomes a familiar part of your daily life. It naturally helps you relax and enjoy a peaceful, natural time.

The simple rustic beauty of Bizen ware will continue to be loved as it gently accompanies our modern lives.

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In Japan, crafts such as ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, wood and bamboo products, and metalwork are produced in many different locations across the country, and each region has its own unique style of craftsmanship. For example, within Japanese ceramics, Karatsu ware from Kyushu and Ohori-soma ware from the northeastern Tohoku region differ greatly in terms of their materials and color expressio...

KOGEI STANDARD Aug 12, 2022

RESOURCE

Kodai
- Others
The “foot” of the back of a ceramic vessel. The kodai is considered to be one of the most important features of a vessel. It can be roughly divided into two types: Kezuri Kodai, a “scraped” foot which is carved out after molding, and Tsuke Kodai, an “attached” foot which is molded from clay and attached to the body of the vessel. Depending on the shape of the foot, kodai can be categorized as wa (“ring”), janome (“snake’s eye”), mikazuki (“crescent moon”), wari (“split”), kiri (“cut”), takenofushi (“bamboo joint”), and others.
Goma
- Technique
A glazed surface of a vessel to which wood ashes have been applied during firing. The name comes from how its appearance resembles sprinkled sesame seeds.
Yohen
- Others
Effects that manifest on pottery in the kiln during firing. The changes are unpredictable as they are caused by the condition of the fire, oxygen or glaze.
Yakishime (Unglazed stoneware)
- Classification
Forming clay and letting it dry before firing at high temperature as much as 1100~1400 degree Celcius without biscuit firing or glazes.
Six Ancient Kilns
- Generic term
A collective name for six distinctive ancient kilns in Japan, which have been famous for their pottery from medieval times to the present day. These include kilns in the Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Echizen, Tanba-Tachikui and Bizen regions.
Bizen ware
- Generic term
Stoneware made mainly in Imbe area in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. One of the six ancient kilns in Japan. Characterized by high temperature firing without using glazes and various expressions brought about by transformation.

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