{"product_id":"210","title":"Banko Ware Traditional Craftsman, Mori Iroku IV: Purple Clay Diamond-Cut Geometric Multi-Faceted Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper #210","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThis is an exquisitely delicate artistic water dropper created by the Mori Iroku family, masters who elevated the form of the kyusu (teapot) to the level of fine art in the history of Banko ware, a traditional craft of Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture. For generations, the Mori Iroku family has been renowned as the foremost authorities in producing teapots using shidei (purple clay), the true essence of Banko ware. In particular, the \"diamond-cut\" (geometric faceting) technique, devised by Iroku II and passed down to Iroku III (1936–2014) and the current Iroku IV (1963–), is considered one of the pinnacle techniques in Banko ware history. Mori Iroku III was certified as a Traditional Craftsman in 1980, and Iroku IV received the same certification in 2000, forming a father-and-son lineage of Traditional Craftsmen whose extraordinary skills are highly acclaimed by the nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe most distinctive feature of this piece is the diamond-cut applied to the entire surface. This is an incredibly precise technique where the surface of an extremely thin purple clay vessel, formed on a potter's wheel, is meticulously shaved by hand—one geometric facet at a time—using a special spatula at the exact moment before the clay completely dries. Banko ware teapots require their walls to be thrown as thin as possible to mellow the flavor of the tea. To apply such precise faceting without piercing through a \"paper-thin\" ceramic wall requires superhuman concentration and a tactile sense of the fingertips honed over decades of experience. Reflecting light from multiple angles, its appearance—radiant like crystal glass despite being ceramic—and its sharp edges truly deserve to be called the ultimate precision craft achieved by a master's fingertips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eOriginally conceived as a water dropper for calligraphy to dispense water one drop at a time, our gallery redefines this tool as a water dropper for enjoying Western spirits or rare aged sake that has matured for decades. High-purity alcohol and aged spirits that have been bottled for several decades undergo a moment of \"Blooming\" when a minute amount of water is added, changing the surface tension and dramatically revealing complex layers of trapped aroma and flavor. To control this extremely delicate change, the form of this water dropper, capable of precise drop-by-drop delivery, is ideal. Its usage is surprisingly intuitive and elegant. By lightly covering the small air hole on the top with a fingertip and subtly adjusting the pressure, you can control the airflow into the interior with millimeter precision, guiding the intended \"single drop\" into the amber liquid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe works of Mori Iroku, which are permanently preserved in the Yokkaichi City Museum, have recently gained fervent support as \"the god of teapots\" in high-end tea markets across Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan. As each piece is a unique creation, their rarity increases year by year. Diamond-cut water droppers like this one are especially rare, with even fewer production opportunities than his teapots. The iron content in Banko purple clay also has the practical benefit of mellowing water quality, making this the ultimate tool for savoring rare aged spirits that are considered global treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Mori Iroku IV (1963–)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003eArtist's Major Career Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e [1986] Received the Mayor's Award at the Banko Ware Kyusu Exhibition, [1987] Selected for the Japan New Craft Exhibition, [2000] Certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"277\"\u003eWorks in Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Yokkaichi City Museum, Banko Ceramic Arts Promotion Association, etc. (Family lineage achievements)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"399\"\u003ePeriod of Production:\u003c\/b\u003e 2000s onward (Estimated to be from his mature period after certification as a Traditional Craftsman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"522\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"565\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (signed and sealed by Iroku), \u003cspan\u003ewrapping cloth, \u003c\/span\u003eLeaflet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"636\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Ceramic (Banko ware purple clay)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"679\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 5cm, Depth approx. 4.7cm, Width approx. 6cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"750\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e All products offered by our gallery, even if unused, are from older production periods and are listed as used items. Items may have age-related wear, so please understand and confirm this before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47695919841467,"sku":null,"price":45000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5860_result.jpg?v=1776176677","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/210","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}