Item Description: This is an elegant Bizen Nijū Tokkuri (Double-Layered Sake Flask) crafted by contemporary Bizen ware artist Saitō Takashi (斉藤隆). The piece exemplifies the unglazed firing tradition of Bizen pottery, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years. Bizen ware (Bizen-yaki) originates from Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture and is renowned as one of Japan's most distinguished ceramic traditions. Characterized by its unglazed yakishime (焼締) firing technique, Bizen pottery achieves its beauty through the natural interaction of clay, fire, and ash during extended high-temperature firings in traditional climbing kilns (noborigama). The resulting natural ash glazes, fire markings, and earth tones create the "scenery" (keshiki) that makes each piece unique. The nijū tokkuri (廿十徳利 or 二重徳利, double-layered sake flask) is a sophisticated form in Bizen pottery, featuring an ingenious double-wall construction. This design provides excellent insulation, keeping sake at the ideal serving temperature for extended periods—whether chilled or warmed. The outer chamber creates an air pocket that moderates temperature change, a testament to the practical wisdom embedded in traditional Japanese ceramic forms. This tokkuri displays the characteristic warm, earthy tones of Bizen clay, with natural variations in surface color ranging from reddish-brown to subtle grays—the result of its position in the kiln and the path of flames and ash during firing. The unglazed surface reveals the honest texture of the clay while achieving a subtle luster through high-temperature vitrification. Saitō Takashi is a member of the Okayama Prefecture Bizen Pottery Cooperative Association (Bizen-yaki Tōyūkai), working within the distinguished lineage of contemporary Bizen artists who maintain traditional firing methods while creating works suited to modern lifestyles. The flask comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), accompanying cloth, and artist's biography card, ensuring authenticity and proper documentation. Size Height: 16 cm Width: 10 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. The piece shows natural Bizen firing characteristics including kiln marks and ash effects, which are inherent features of this pottery style and not defects. 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.