Item Description 森陶岳 Mori Tohgaku (1937-) Water Container (Mizusashi) This exquisite Bizen ware water container exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of Mori Tohgaku, one of Japan's most renowned ceramic artists known for his groundbreaking work in recreating the legendary Ko-Bizen tradition. The piece embodies the natural warmth and rustic elegance inherent to Bizen pottery, achieved without the use of glazes. The water container displays the characteristic earthy tones and natural variations that emerge from extended high-temperature firing in Tohgaku's massive climbing kilns. The surface exhibits subtle color gradations and natural ash effects, testament to the artist's dedication to reviving ancient firing techniques using kilns up to 85 meters in length - the largest in ceramic history. The vessel's balanced proportions and substantial weight create a sense of stability and presence befitting the tea ceremony. Tohgaku, born into one of the six historic Bizen pottery families, has devoted his life to surpassing the achievements of Momoyama-period Ko-Bizen. His works are held in prestigious collections including the Imperial Palace, Ise Shrine, Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Boston Museum of Fine Arts. This water container represents the culmination of over four decades of research into ancient firing methods and exemplifies the profound spiritual quality that defines Tohgaku's oeuvre. The piece comes with its original signed wooden box, providing authenticity and provenance. Size Height: 15 cm Width: 16.5 cm Depth: 16.5 cm Condition The water container is in excellent condition with no significant damage. The piece displays natural warmth and refined rustic characteristics inherent to Bizen ware. Artist Profile Mori Tohgaku (1937-) is a distinguished Japanese ceramic artist born in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, into one of the six historic Bizen pottery families. After graduating from Okayama University's Special Art Department and briefly teaching art at a junior high school, he devoted himself entirely to ceramics in 1962. Captivated by the unparalleled beauty of Ko-Bizen from the Muromachi and Momoyama periods, Tohgaku embarked on an ambitious four-decade project to recreate and surpass these masterworks. He constructed increasingly larger climbing kilns, culminating in the monumental 85-meter Samukaze Shin-Ohgama in 2008, the largest kiln in ceramic history. Through extensive research and experimentation, he successfully revived ancient firing techniques that produce the distinctive colors and surface variations characteristic of Ko-Bizen. Tohgaku's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Japan Ceramic Society Gold Award (2002), the Order of the Sacred Treasure Purple Ribbon (2006), and designation as Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder (1996). His works are collected by major museums worldwide and sacred sites throughout Japan, including the Imperial Palace, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and Ise Shrine. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.