Hiroshi Toyofuku Tokkuri Sake Vessel 4
Handmade in Japan
Dimensions: H 15cm x W 12cm
Materials: Hiyose clay
Method: hand built, wood fired
Care: Can hold water. Dust lightly to clean. For sake flasks with narrow mouths, use a small brush to clean the insides, then turn it upside down, drain well, and wipe it carefully
Description
Produced in Bizen with the local hiyose clay, this expressive sake vessel possesses a playful, curvaceous form extending to a narrow neck, rich dark tones, and an earthy texture. The wood-firing process lasts over a week, resulting in spontaneous and unpredictable patterns and textures, stunning testaments to the material's inherent beauty. Distinguished by the marbled, stratified surface of the clay, Toyofuku’s pieces are intended to showcase this effectively. Made by piling up string-like clay, the technique is one of the most primitive methods and results in a dynamic form that balances historicity with a contemporary flair.
About the Artist
Based in the Bizen area of Okayama, Hiroshi Toyofuku is a ceramicist whose pottery is distinguished by a marbled, stratified surface and angular forms. Bizen has been the centre of Bizen-ware production for over a thousand years and is characterized by unglazed, wood-fired kilns, and firings that last more than a week. Each piece is a testament to the inherent beauty, honesty, and history within Toyofuku’s materials and production methods.
