This Bizen ware tokkuri is formed in an unglazed reddish-brown clay, its rounded body marked by sweeping linear patterns in red and brown. The decoration results from the hidasuki technique, in which rice straw is wrapped around the vessel before firing; during the high-temperature wood firing, the straw reacts with the iron-rich clay, leaving distinct lines across the surface. The flask rises from a rounded lower body and tapers gradually into a narrow neck, finishing in a lightly flared rim suited to pouring. The hidasuki markings traverse the curvature of the form, crossing the shoulder and midsection in varied directions rather than remaining strictly parallel. Subtle tonal shifts in the clay surface—ranging from warm red to deeper brown—reflect differences in flame exposure within the kiln. The base is flat and bears an incised potter’s mark. The piece is accompanied by its original wooden box (tomobako) with the artist’s inscription and seal, a blue tomofuno (original wrapping cloth) with seal, and a printed biographical sheet. About Bizen Ware: Bizen ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, originating in Bizen (present-day Okayama Prefecture). Its history dates back to at least the 12th century, making it one of the oldest continuous ceramic traditions in Japan. Bizen ware is typically unglazed stoneware, fired at high temperatures in wood-fired kilns for extended periods. Rather than applied glaze, its surfaces are shaped by flame, ash, and the placement of pieces within the kiln. Natural firing effects such as reddish fire marks (hi-dasuki), ash deposits, and scorch patterns are central to its aesthetic. The clay used in Bizen is rich in iron, producing warm reddish-brown tones and a dense, strong body. Because no glaze is applied, the texture of the clay and the traces of the firing process remain fully visible. Bizen ware is highly valued in tea culture for its quiet strength, natural surface variation, and understated presence. Forms range from tea bowls and water jars to sake vessels and sculptural works. Artist Profile: Koyama Atsuko / 小山厚子 (b.1979) was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. She is the second daughter of Bizen ware ceramic artist Koyama Suehiro. In 2000, she began studying ceramics under her father and fired her first kiln in 2003. I have held multiple solo exhibitions in Ginza, Tokyo. Shipping / Policy: Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Please inspect the item upon arrival and contact us via Catawiki immediately if there is any issue. About the vintage ceramics we offer (please read before purchasing): We mainly offer 20th-century vintage Japanese ceramics. Due to their age and hand-crafted nature, each piece may show natural characteristics and variations such as glaze crackle (crazing), glaze irregularities, kiln marks, surface wear, and age-related patina. For this reason, we recommend these items primarily for display and collection. If you choose to use the item, please avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged soaking, and do not use a dishwasher or microwave. Optional sealing/seasoning may be considered depending on your intended use. Guarantee: Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.