Gaku Kuroda (born 1953) was born in Ibe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture—one of Japan's most ancient ceramic centers—and is a highly skilled artist carrying on the lineage as the fourth-generation head of the prestigious Toko Kiln. He studied under Rakuzan Fujiwara III, a leading figure in Bizen history renowned for his Shio-Bizen and Shiro-Bizen techniques. Through five years of rigorous apprenticeship, Kuroda mastered the sculpting and firing techniques required to draw out the ultimate potential of the clay. Since becoming independent in 1983, his work has been frequently selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and he has received the Issuikai Award at the Issuikai Ceramics Exhibition. He is recognized as a Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association, a mark of technical authority in the Japanese ceramic world. His works are held in public collections, including the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art and the Bizen Ceramic Art Museum, underscoring their official artistic value.
The Hidasuki (scarlet cord markings) technique featured in this work is a traditional Bizen method that involves wrapping rice straw around an unglazed vessel before firing. Inside the kiln at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees Celsius, a chemical reaction between the straw’s components and the iron in the clay turns the wrapped areas into a vibrant scarlet, creating patterns that capture the raw traces of the fire. Of particular note in this piece is the clear, transparent scarlet hue, free of cloudiness, and its vivid contrast against the warm, whitish body of the clay. Bold yet delicate scarlet lines, as if imbued with the energy of the flames, run across the serene surface like a painting, lending a rich sense of drama to the vessel. Achieving this specific coloration requires precise control over the clay selection, the quality of the straw, and the kiln's oxygen levels; it is a result of a rare moment when calculated technique meets natural serendipity. The refined, minimalist form reflects a dignity inherited from his master, Rakuzan Fujiwara, fused with Kuroda’s own modern sculptural sensibility.
While originally crafted as a Yunomi (teacup), we propose this vessel as a rock glass or spirits glass for enjoying Japanese or Scotch whiskey. Bizen stoneware, with its microscopic pores, is known to influence the liquid within, softening the harshness of alcohol and mellowing its aroma. Created with the reliable skill of a Japan Art Crafts Association member, this vessel is characterized by the warmth of the natural clay and a satisfying weight in the hand. It beautifully enhances the visual experience, from the contrast between the scarlet markings and floating ice to the expansion of aromas when tasted neat. The amber hue of the whiskey, combined with the scarlet of the Hidasuki, creates a visual depth that is truly exceptional. This beauty of the raw clay, unreliant on glazes, gives the piece a unique presence as a sophisticated vessel for a modern lifestyle.
- Artist: Gaku Kuroda (born 1953)
- Representative Career: Fourth-generation head of the prestigious Toko Kiln. Apprenticed under Bizen master Rakuzan Fujiwara III for five years before becoming independent. [1991] Received the Issuikai Award at the Issuikai Ceramics Exhibition. Frequently selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and designated a Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association. Recipient of the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and recognized as an Invited Artist. He has elevated traditional "Yakishime" and "Hidasuki" techniques into modern sculptural art, establishing himself as a leading figure in contemporary Bizen.
- Museum Collections: Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, Bizen Ceramic Art Museum, and others.
- Period of Creation: 1990s–2000s (His peak period as a Full Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association). The "Hidasuki" seen in this work represents the pinnacle of his refined technique, where the brilliant scarlet cord markings harmonize perfectly with the elegant form inherited from his master.
- Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Original signed wooden box (Tomobako)
- Material: Pottery (Bizen Ware / Hidasuki)
- Dimensions: Mouth diameter approx. 7 cm, Height approx. 7 cm (approximate)
- Note: 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.
