Item Description: 小山日出男 Koyama Hideo（1948– ) — Bizen Hirabachi (Bizen Ware Flat Serving Dish) A substantial and atmospheric flat dish (hirabachi) in unglazed Bizen-yaki stoneware, hand-formed from the characteristically rugged, mineral-rich clay of Bizen, Okayama Prefecture — one of Japan's six ancient kiln traditions (Nihon Rokkoyo), celebrated for its uncompromising reliance on fire and natural clay alone. Measuring 28.5 cm in diameter and a graceful 7 cm in height, this wide, open form commands the table with quiet authority. Fired in Koyama's own anagama (single-chamber climbing kiln), the surface reveals the full expressive range of the ancient Bizen firing process: the warm, iron-rich reddish-brown and deep grey tones of the tsuchimi (clay character), natural goma (sesame-ash) effects, and the unpredictable scorching and patina produced by prolonged wood-firing. The piece reflects Koyama's devoted pursuit of the spirit of Ko-Bizen ("Ancient Bizen") — the bold, earthen aesthetic of medieval Bizen ceramics — realised through entirely self-taught methods and an independent artistic vision. The dish comes with its original wooden storage box (tomobako) and storage cloth (tomobukuro). Size Height: 7 cm Width: 28.5 cm Depth: 28.5 cm Weight: 1,477 g Condition In used condition overall; a natural kamahi (kiln firing crack along the rim) is present, consistent with the wood-firing process and characteristic of Ko-Bizen-style works. Artist Profile 小山日出男 Koyama Hideo (1948– ) was born in Okayama Prefecture, the heartland of Bizen ware. Captivated by the primal beauty of Ko-Bizen — the rugged, unglazed stonewares of medieval Japan — he pursued his craft independently, without formal apprenticeship to an established master, building his own anagama kiln and developing a distinctive personal voice through direct engagement with fire and clay. He maintained artistic exchanges with Bizen ceramicists Taku Mamoru and Furuno Akira, and centred his activity on solo exhibitions rather than group or institutional shows. His works are characterised by raw, expressive clay textures, natural kiln transformations (yōhen), and a deeply wabi aesthetic that draws directly from the Bizen tradition's ancient roots. 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.