[About the Item] Tokkuri - Sake Bottle - by Masayuki Shimizu, an Established Mid-Generation Artist of Traditional Bizen Ware - With Signature and Tomobako - Can also be used as interior decoration or a vase Artist: Born in 1943 in Kasama-cho, Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City. Based in Bizen Osafune, his work is characterized by the natural clay surface with kiln transformation (yohen) achieved through firing in wood-burning kilns without using glazes. Awards and Recognition: Bizen Toshinkai Exhibition - Sanyo Shimbun Prize, Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Selected for the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, among others. Dimensions: Tokkuri: Height 19 cm, Diameter 8 cm, Weight 455g Tomobako: Height 20 cm, Length 13.5 cm, Width 13.5 cm, Weight 233g Included: Tomobako (original wooden box) with artist's signature, cloth wrapper (tomokin) with signature, certificate (shiori) Condition: No noticeable scratches or stains; overall in excellent condition. Comes with tomobako, cloth wrapper, and certificate. However, as this is a vintage piece, please expect minor signs of aging and use, including slight wear and small scratches. Please examine the images carefully for detailed condition assessment. [About the Technique] Bizen Ware — Artistic and Cultural Description Bizen ware is one of Japan's oldest among the Six Ancient Kilns, a traditional pottery produced in and around Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Its unique technique of firing using only clay and flame without glazes has earned high artistic and cultural acclaim. Bizen Ware — From Origins to Samurai Culture Origins and Development: Bizen ware is one of Japan's oldest among the Six Ancient Kilns, a traditional pottery produced in and around Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Originating in the Kofun period, Bizen ware developed as reddish-brown pottery in the Kamakura period, establishing its unique technique of firing using only clay and flame without glazes. Deep Connection with the Samurai Class From the Muromachi period through the Momoyama period, Bizen ware was beloved by warring feudal lords. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period when Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi were active, tea ceremony utensils were so valuable they were worth entire provinces, and there are anecdotes of warriors requesting tea utensils rather than territory as rewards for battle. Toyotomi Hideyoshi favored the elegant texture of "wabi" and "sabi" and promoted Bizen ware, leading to the creation of many masterpiece tea ceramics and ushering in its most prosperous era. Beauty Embodying the Samurai Spirit The kiln transformation (flame patterns) and natural colors such as red Bizen, black Bizen, and blue Bizen, created by firing at 1,200-1,300°C in climbing kilns for 10-14 days without glaze, produce a powerful texture with no two pieces having the same expression. This durable, crack-resistant quality and simple, robust strength overlapped with the character of warriors who survived the warring states period, and it has been cherished as an art form embodying samurai aesthetics and spirituality. It continues to be passed down as a traditional craft today, conveying the beauty of wabi-sabi to the present. Preparation Before Use: When using for the first time or routinely, soak in water for 30 minutes to several hours for "water dressing" (mizu-gesho) to prevent penetration of stains and odors. Wash gently with neutral detergent and allow to dry completely by air-drying. It may feel rough when you first start using it, but it becomes smoother with use. Condition: No noticeable scratches or stains; overall in excellent condition. Comes with tomobako. However, as this is a vintage piece, please expect minor signs of aging and use, including slight wear and small scratches. Please examine the images carefully for detailed condition assessment. Shipping: Approximately 3 weeks via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx. Import duties are buyer's responsibility. Important Notice: Your item will be carefully packaged and shipped via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx, depending on the situation. Delivery typically takes approximately 3 weeks. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Customs authorities or the shipping carrier may contact you by phone or email to complete customs clearance. Please ensure that you are reachable. If the carrier is unable to contact you, the parcel may be returned to me. In such cases, reshipping will require an additional shipping fee equal to double the original cost. ________________________________________ Combined Shipping Not Available Items cannot be shipped together. If you purchase multiple items from the same seller in this auction, each item will be shipped separately. ________________________________________ Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.