{"product_id":"179","title":"Rikisaburo Fukuda, Iron-Glaze Polychrome Bamboo Design Tea Bowl, The Supreme Whiskey Ceramic Whiskey Tumbler #179","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eRikisaburo Fukuda (1912-1993) was a legendary guardian who, for over half a century alongside the great Living National Treasure Shoji Hamada, protected the sacred \"fire\" and \"earth\" of Mashiko pottery. This work, \"Tea Bowl with Iron-Glaze Polychrome Bamboo Design,\" transcends the scope of a mere apprentice's work; it is a masterpiece that represents the culmination of Fukuda's late-career artistry, fully embodying the essence of the Hamada Folk Craft (Mingei) movement. Apprenticing with Shoji Hamada in 1925 at the age of 13, Fukuda served his entire life as the chief workshop manager (Banto), the most trusted pillar of Hamada’s studio. His style, distinct from his teacher’s flamboyant artistry, distills a \"sincerity to the earth\" and \"beauty in utility\" that can only be achieved by a craftsman dedicated to the front lines of production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eThe highlight of this piece is the bold yet delicate technique of \"Tetsu-e Kasai\" (iron-glaze with added polychrome) applied to the surface. Painted without hesitation over traditional Mashiko persimmon (Kaki) and rice husk (Nukajiro) glazes, the bamboo leaf design captures a fleeting moment of vitality swaying in the wind. These brushstrokes possess the robust power of a man who touched clay and conversed with fire daily for decades. The profound dark brown of the iron-glaze and the depth of the added colors create a magnificent contrast with the rustic texture of the Mashiko earth, bringing a spiritual depth to the entire vessel. Connoisseurs will be particularly impressed by the substantial \"heft\" and the mastery of the firing. As the manager of the studio’s climbing kiln, Fukuda understood the nature of fire perfectly, allowing him to achieve a degree of glaze melt that feels like a powerful, uncalculated force of nature. The moment you hold it, you feel the substantial weight and warmth of the earth. This texture, combined with the subtle flare of the rim and the depth of the bowl, elevates its functional perfection to the highest degree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003eThere is a deliberate reason we propose this masterpiece as the \"Supreme Ceramic Whiskey Tumbler.\" Originally, a tea bowl is a \"vessel for fragrance\" designed to maximize the aromatic experience. Its wide interior and calculated diameter allow the complex aromas of aged spirits—especially whiskey—to open up more luxuriantly than in a standard glass, delivering the scent directly to the palate. The deep tones of the persimmon glaze and the powerful iron-glaze design resonate with bold single malts, such as a long-aged Macallan from sherry casks or a peaty Lagavulin. The heavy Mashiko earthenware gently embraces the musical sound of amber liquid swirling against ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003ePouring a fine Western spirit into a treasure of Japanese Kōgei creates a \"fusion of Eastern and Western cultures\" that defines the essence of modern luxury. Because Fukuda dedicated most of his life to assisting his master, works bearing his own signature—especially tea bowls of this caliber—are exceedingly rare. When the scent of the earth blends with the matured aroma of whiskey, a unique time flows where Showa-era craftsmanship and contemporary sensibility intersect. Feeling the history of the Mingei movement at your fingertips while enjoying amber-colored moments—this piece promises an intellectual and elegant lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Rikisaburo Fukuda (1912-1993)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"38\"\u003eKey Activities:\u003c\/b\u003e The very first apprentice of Living National Treasure Shoji Hamada. From the age of 13, he served as the chief manager (Banto) of the Hamada Workshop, overseeing all aspects of production and firing for his entire career. He embodied the spirit of Hamada Folk Craft on the front lines and was revered as the \"Craftsman among Craftsmen.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"391\"\u003eAwards:\u003c\/b\u003e [1972] Honored as Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Contributor, [1984] Recipient of the Shimotsuke Prefectural Citizen's Award, etc. Recognized for his vast contributions to regional culture and his dedication to teaching younger generations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"637\"\u003eMuseum Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Tokyo), Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts, Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"815\"\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/b\u003e 1980s (Estimated). Believed to be a masterpiece from his later years, when he transitioned from being the workshop foreman to holding solo exhibitions and perfecting his unique iron-glaze style.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"1029\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"1072\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Comes with original signed wooden box (Tomobako)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"1134\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Ceramic (Iron-glaze polychrome \/ Mashiko Ware)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"1191\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 7.8 cm, Diameter approx. 11 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"1249\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Please note that all products, even those in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47518571430075,"sku":null,"price":23000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_4938_result.jpg?v=1774140824","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/179","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}