{"title":"Takahara Shoji (高原昌治)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWorks by the ceramic artist Takahara Shoji (高原昌治, 1941–2000) currently available at Antique Liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"254","title":"Bizen Sake Cup by Takahara Shoji (高原昌治), Artist with Works in the Frankfurt Museum Collection, Trained Under Two Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, With Ascending Kiln Natural Ash Glaze Melting Traces, Shot Glass #254","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003eWe are pleased to introduce a very rare sake cup (guinomi) by Takahara Shoji (1941-2000), a master Bizen ware artisan born in Okayama Prefecture in 1941. He boasts a brilliant record, including receiving the \"Sanyo Shimbun Award\" for two consecutive years in 1967 and 1968 at the Japan Crafts Association's Eastern Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and being selected for the \"1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition,\" the pinnacle of contemporary ceramic art, in 1971. In 1987, his work was publicly acquired and permanently stored by the Museum Angewandte Kunst (Frankfurt, West Germany at the time). As a deceased artist who passed away at the young age of 59, the supply of new works to the market has completely ceased, making his creations increasingly rare in the art market. We propose this supreme Japanese craftwork, with its undeniable history and prestige, to the world as a vintage premium sake vessel for savoring aged amber sake or premium Japanese whisky neat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003eThe fundamental artistic value of Shoji\u0026nbsp;Takahara lies in his exceptionally privileged and legitimate lineage, having directly inherited techniques from two top-tier Bizen ware masters of different styles. In 1958, he apprenticed under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E4%BC%8A%E5%8B%A2%E5%B4%8E%E9%99%BD%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIsezaki Yozan\u003c\/a\u003e (1902-1961), a holder of Okayama Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Property, and deeply absorbed the sculptural sense of intricate ceramic carving and three-dimensional craftsmanship. Then, in 1962, he apprenticed under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E7%9F%B3%E4%BA%95%E4%B8%8D%E8%80%81%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIshii Furo\u003c\/a\u003e (1899-1964), also a holder of Okayama Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Property, thoroughly mastering Furo's signature excellent throwing (rokuro) technique. The reason Takahara's works are most highly praised by experts is precisely this exquisite balance achieved by integrating Yozan's three-dimensional spatial understanding in his detailed works with Furo's precise and confident lines on the potter's wheel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eA professional and detailed analysis of the piece confirms that the transcendent technique inherited from two great masters and the drama of the climbing kiln (noborigama) firing are clearly manifested across the entire surface of the vessel. In terms of form, the vessel retains the beautiful yet powerful wheel-throwing marks directly passed down from Ishii Furo around its waist, conveying the moist, clinging texture of meticulously selected rice-paddy clay (tado) when held in the palm of your hand. Without the use of any glaze, the external appearance (keshiki) is expressed with extraordinary density through the sharp contrast of authentic, traditional Bizen firing effects—such as yohen (natural kiln transformation), sangiri (ash-covered firing mark), and hidasuki (fire-cord pattern)—created solely by the fierce flames and convective wood-ash currents generated by splitting red pine firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003eParticularly noteworthy is the design on the inside of the sake cup. Near the bottom interior, several small, dark, glossy spots can be observed. These are not stains or defects from artificial glaze, but rather genuine natural scenery called \"natural glaze fusion marks\" (technically referred to as black sesame spots or early fusion marks of \"Bidoro\" glass). These occur when the ash of red pine, the fuel, completely vitrifies and melts as a liquid onto the clay surface in pinpoint locations within the Bizen climbing kiln at extreme temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius. In Bizen ware, an aesthetic of subtraction that uses no glaze whatsoever, these glossy spots are the very \"memory of fire,\" vividly conveying the intense convection of flames, the placement of the work within the kiln, and the moment of extreme heat management. They are an important highlight that further enhances the work's appreciation value and prestige.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003eOn the bottom of the vessel, Takahara's unique potter's mark, a deformed character \"Sho\" (昌) deeply carved with a spatula to prove his authorship, is clearly visible. Furthermore, the complete set includes a tomobako (wooden box) with the artist's own fluid brush calligraphy \"Bizen Sake Cup Shoji\" and an official red seal, along with a bookmark detailing his ceramic history at the time. This pristine condition serves as decisive evidence guaranteeing its authenticity and artistic value. Please fully enjoy this unique crystallization of Japanese traditional craftsmanship, which embodies the spirit of a master artisan in his most energetic period, marked by two consecutive major awards, as a privileged everyday companion for savoring exquisite sake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003eTakahara Shoji (高原昌治, 1941-2000)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist's Major Activities: \u003c\/strong\u003e[1958] Apprenticed under Isezaki Yozan, holder of Okayama Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Property; [1962] Apprenticed under Ishii Furo, holder of Okayama Prefecture's Important Intangible Cultural Property, selected for the Japan Crafts Association's Eastern Chugoku Branch Exhibition; [1965] Established his own climbing kiln and became independent; [1967 \u0026amp; 1968] Received the Sanyo Shimbun Award for two consecutive years at the Japan Crafts Association's Eastern Chugoku Branch Exhibition; [1971] Selected for the 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition; [1981] Traveled to the United States for ceramic research; [1987] Work publicly acquired by the Museum Angewandte Kunst (Frankfurt, West Germany at the time).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorks Held By: \u003c\/strong\u003eMuseum Angewandte Kunst (Germany), among others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Period: \u003c\/strong\u003eEarly 1970s (estimated peak period immediately after selection for the 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good (no chips, no cracks, natural glaze fusion marks from the climbing kiln visible on the interior, slight opening of the clay boundary on the surface as a characteristic of the work)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eTomobako (wooden box with artist's handwritten signature and seal), wrapping cloth, bookmark\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/strong\u003ePottery (Bizen ware - Kiln change, Sangiri, Hidasuki, Natural glaze fusion marks)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 6.3 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.0 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll products offered by our store, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as pre-owned. Please be aware that products may have damage due to age, and consider this before making a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47835534950587,"sku":null,"price":35000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_6829_result.jpg?v=1779457727"},{"product_id":"328","title":"Museum Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt Collection Artist Takahara Shoji (高原昌治), Bizen Ware Yohen Goma Hai-Kaburi Sake Cup, Crafted Under Two Important Intangible Cultural Properties #328","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eThis extremely rare sake cup (guinomi) is crafted by Takahara Shoji (1941–2000), a master of Bizen ware born in Okayama Prefecture in 1941. He achieved prestigious accolades including winning the Sanyo Shimbun Award for two consecutive years at the Japan Kougei Association Higashi-Chugoku Branch Exhibition, entering the landmark 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition in 1971—the pinnacle of modern ceramic art—and having his work officially purchased and permanently collected by the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Arts (Museum Angewandte Kunst) in former West Germany in 1987. Passing away prematurely at the age of 59, Takahara is a deceased master whose supply of new works has completely ceased, causing the rarity and value of his creations in the art market to climb year by year. We offer this supreme Japanese craft piece, backed by established history and distinction, to the global market as a vintage premium sake vessel (shot glass) designed for slowly savoring aged amber sake or neat premium Japanese whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eThe core artistic value of Takahara Shoji lies in his prestigious and authentic lineage, having inherited techniques directly from two top masters of Bizen ceramics with contrasting styles. In 1958, he studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E4%BC%8A%E5%8B%A2%E5%B4%8E%E9%99%BD%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIsezaki Yozan\u003c\/a\u003e (1902–1961), Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property, absorbing the spatial sense of intricate ceramic sculpture and three-dimensional craftsmanship. Subsequently in 1962, he studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E7%9F%B3%E4%BA%95%E4%B8%8D%E8%80%81%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIshii Furo\u003c\/a\u003e (1899–1964), also a Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property, thoroughly mastering the superb potter’s wheel forming techniques that served as Ishii's trademark. Examining the details of this work reveals that the transcendent techniques inherited from both masters, along with the drama of noborigama (climbing kiln) firing, are clearly manifested across its entire surface. The vessel's form retains beautiful and powerful wheel marks directly passed down from Ishii Furo around its waist, conveying the moist, clinging texture of meticulously selected rice-paddy clay (tado) when held in the palm. Without the use of any glaze, the external appearance is expressed with extraordinary density through the sharp contrast of authentic, traditional Bizen firing effects—such as yohen (natural kiln transformation), sangiri (ash-covered firing mark), and hidasuki (fire-cord pattern)—created solely by the fierce flames and convective wood-ash currents generated by splitting red pine firewood. One side displays heavy hai-kaburi (ash deposit) and goma (sesame-like ash spots) that melted under intense falling wood ash to create a volcanic, rough texture, while the contrasting side vividly highlights warm hidasuki reddish tones alongside refined wheel marks. Furthermore, melted natural glaze has pooled at the bottom of the interior, presenting a deep, profound expression unique to unglazed Bizen stoneware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eThis work is identified as an authentic piece created between 1971 and 1975—a peak period when Takahara's noborigama firing techniques and wheel-throwing skills reached full maturity following his entry into the 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition in 1971. The artist’s signature seal is clearly stamped on the underside of the base, and the vessel remains in excellent condition with no chips or cracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist：\u003c\/strong\u003eTakahara Shoji (高原昌治, 1941–2000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist's Key Activities：\u003c\/strong\u003e[1958] Studied under Isezaki Yozan, Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property; [1962] Studied under Ishii Furo, Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property; [1965] Built his own noborigama (climbing kiln) and established his independence; [1967 \u0026amp; 1968] Won the Sanyo Shimbun Award for two consecutive years at the Japan Kougei Association Higashi-Chugoku Branch Exhibition; [1971] Selected for the 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition; [1981] Traveled to the U.S. to conduct ceramic research; [1987] Work officially purchased by the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Arts (former West Germany)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorks Housed In：\u003c\/strong\u003eMuseum Angewandte Kunst (Frankfurt, Germany)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production：\u003c\/strong\u003e1971–1975 (Estimated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition：\u003c\/strong\u003eVery good (no chips, no cracks, excluding age-related character typical of antique art)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial：\u003c\/strong\u003eStoneware (Bizen ware, unglazed firing, natural ash glaze, goma ash spots, hai-kaburi ash deposit, sangiri, hidasuki, yohen kiln transformation, tado clay, potter's wheel marks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions：\u003c\/strong\u003eMouth diameter approx. 6.0 cm, Height approx. 5.2 cm – 5.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution：\u003c\/strong\u003eAll products offered by our shop are historical items from an old production period and are listed as antique art \/ pre-owned items. Products may have subtle changes due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying the nature of antique art.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48115731169467,"sku":null,"price":45000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_9890_result.jpg?v=1785286224"},{"product_id":"329","title":"Museum Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt Collection Artist Takahara Shoji (高原昌治), Bizen Ware Yohen Goma Hai-Kaburi Hidasuki Tea Bowl, Crafted Under Two Important Intangible Cultural Properties, Western Liquor Vessel, Rocks Glass #329","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eThis extremely rare Bizen ware tea bowl is crafted by Takahara Shoji (1941–2000), a master of Bizen ceramics born in Okayama Prefecture in 1941. He achieved prestigious accolades including winning the Sanyo Shimbun Award for two consecutive years at the Japan Kougei Association Higashi-Chugoku Branch Exhibition, entering the landmark 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition in 1971—the pinnacle of modern ceramic art—and having his work officially purchased and permanently collected by the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Arts (Museum Angewandte Kunst) in former West Germany in 1987. Passing away prematurely at the age of 59, Takahara is a deceased master whose supply of new works has completely ceased, causing the rarity and value of his creations in the art market to climb year by year. We offer this supreme Japanese craft piece, backed by established history and distinction, to the global market not only as tea ceremony pottery for enjoying matcha, but also as a vintage premium sake vessel (Japanese rocks glass) designed for slowly savoring aged amber sake or neat premium Japanese whisky over large ice cubes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eThe core artistic value of Takahara Shoji lies in his prestigious and authentic lineage, having inherited techniques directly from two top masters of Bizen ceramics with contrasting styles. In 1958, he studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E4%BC%8A%E5%8B%A2%E5%B4%8E%E9%99%BD%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIsezaki Yozan\u003c\/a\u003e, Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property, absorbing the spatial sense of intricate ceramic sculpture and three-dimensional craftsmanship. Subsequently in 1962, he studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E7%9F%B3%E4%BA%95%E4%B8%8D%E8%80%81%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIshii Furo\u003c\/a\u003e, also a Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property, thoroughly mastering the superb potter’s wheel forming techniques that served as Ishii's trademark. Examining the details of this work reveals that the transcendent techniques inherited from both masters, along with the drama of noborigama (climbing kiln) firing, are clearly manifested across its entire surface. The vessel's form retains beautiful and powerful wheel marks directly passed down from Ishii Furo around its waist, conveying the moist, clinging texture of meticulously selected rice-paddy clay (tado) when held in the palm. Without the use of any glaze, the external appearance coexists in extraordinary density with traditional Bizen firing effects—yohen (natural kiln transformation), hai-kaburi (ash deposit), sangiri (ash-covered firing mark), and hidasuki (fire-cord pattern)—created solely by the fierce flames and convective wood-ash currents generated by splitting red pine firewood. One side displays magnificent natural glaze (goma) that melted and settled like heavy tree bark or molten lava under intense falling wood ash from the noborigama kiln, while contrastingly, vibrant red hidasuki patterns born from rice straw wrapping powerfully encircle the area from the foot ring to its underside. Within the interior base (mikomi), melted natural glaze deposits and deep unglazed firing expressions spread out, while the outer surface exhibits minor natural fissures along the clay boundaries typical of noborigama firing (ishihaze and fine clay expressions), boasting the ultimate unglazed beauty unique to unglazed Bizen stoneware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eRegarding the period of production, this work is identified as an authentic masterpiece created during his peak period between 1981 and 1984, grounded directly in the fact that his form and yohen techniques reached their zenith following his research trip to the United States in 1981, as well as the artist's biography leaflet included with the piece detailing his solo exhibition history up to 1984 (Showa 59). The artist's unique seal is clearly stamped inside the foot ring, and the piece remains in very good condition with no chips or cracks. It arrives as a complete set, accompanied by a matching wooden box for safe protection, a dedicated wrapping cloth stamped with a red seal, and a biography leaflet printed with the artist's mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist：\u003c\/strong\u003e Takahara Shoji (高原昌治, 1941–2000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist's Key Activities：\u003c\/strong\u003e [1958] Studied under Isezaki Yozan, Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property; [1962] Studied under Ishii Furo, Holder of Okayama Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property, selected for the Japan Kougei Association Higashi-Chugoku Branch Exhibition for the first time; [1965] Built his own noborigama (climbing kiln) and established his independence; [1967 \u0026amp; 1968] Won the Sanyo Shimbun Award for two consecutive years at the Japan Kougei Association Higashi-Chugoku Branch Exhibition; [1971] Selected for the 1st Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition; [1981] Traveled to the U.S. to conduct ceramic research; [1987] Work officially purchased by the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Arts (former West Germany)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorks Housed In：\u003c\/strong\u003e Museum Angewandte Kunst (Frankfurt, Germany)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production：\u003c\/strong\u003e 1981–1984\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition： \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good (no chips, no cracks, natural ash glaze melted deposits inside the interior, minor natural clay boundary fissures on the surface as inherent character of the work)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories： \u003c\/strong\u003eMatching wooden box, wrapping cloth with seal, leaflet printed with artist's seal included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial：\u003c\/strong\u003e Stoneware (Bizen ware, unglazed firing, natural ash glaze, goma ash spots, hai-kaburi ash deposit, sangiri, hidasuki, yohen kiln transformation, tado clay, potter's wheel marks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"27\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions： \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 7.9 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 12.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"28\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution： \u003c\/strong\u003eAll products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48115731235003,"sku":null,"price":100000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_0047_result.jpg?v=1785504621"}],"url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/collections\/maker-takahara-shoji.oembed","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}