A rare natural ash-glazed sake bottle (tokkuri) by Shugo Takauchi, master potter of Mashiko and founder of the Hyakudo Kiln. This tokkuri is shaped on the wheel from coarse Mashiko clay and fired without applied glaze, allowing pine ash from the kiln to settle naturally on the shoulder and form a flowing olive-green vitrification. The lower body retains the warm earthen tones of the raw clay, scorched by direct flame contact, creating a striking contrast between the molten glaze above and the rugged fire-marked surface below. The compact, well-balanced form reflects the bold, unpretentious aesthetic for which Takauchi is celebrated. Comes with the original signed wooden box (tomobako) inscribed "Shizenyu Tokkuri" in the artist's own hand, with his red seal. 【Artist Profile】 Shugo Takauchi (b.1937) is a self-taught ceramic artist who established the Hyakudo Kiln in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, in 1968. Inspired by Shoji Hamada and the Mingei movement during his early career at the Tokyo Central Post Office, he developed an unmistakable personal style marked by powerful forms and his signature Oribe glazes — so distinctive that his work is widely known as "Takauchi Oribe." Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (1972), the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (1973), and the Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition (1976), he stands as one of the most respected contemporary potters of the Mashiko tradition. 【Condition】 Excellent. Minor signs of age commensurate with careful storage. 【Shipping】 Carefully packed and shipped internationally with full tracking for safe delivery. 【※Important Information※】 ※Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding※ Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country's import regulations and are beyond the seller's control. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery. Please bid with confidence