{"product_id":"429","title":"4th Generation of Mashiko's Oldest Kiln, Ceramics Engineering Researcher: Akira Kikuchi - Persimmon Tenmoku Teacup, Sake Vessel, Japanese Western-style Liquor Glass #429","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eThis Persimmon Tenmoku teacup (yunomi) was created by Akira Kikuchi, a unique ceramic artist born in 1935 as the fourth-generation heir to the oldest kiln in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture, who pursued scientific research in ceramic engineering and materials science at the university laboratory after graduating from Musashi Institute of Technology. Unbound by the constraints of the traditional apprenticeship system, he thoroughly researched clay and glaze component analysis alongside kiln temperature control through scientific and engineering insights gained in the laboratory. He earned high acclaim as a leading master representing modern Mashiko ware, receiving honors such as acceptance into the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (including selection for its Overseas Exhibition), selection for the Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition, and holding solo exhibitions at Ginza Matsuya. Featuring a powerful form that fits comfortably in the palm and a refined glaze surface with delicate crystals blooming within traditional Mashiko persimmon glaze, this work goes beyond its function as a teacup. We present it to the global market as a luxury Japanese rocks glass (sake vessel) for floating large ice rocks, quietly pouring matured whisky, aged sake, or authentic shochu, and savoring the beauty of crystals whose expressions shift with the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eExamining the fine details of this piece, the \"Persimmon Tenmoku\" design that Akira Kikuchi attained after scientific pursuit is embodied with an exceptionally high degree of completion. Based on a persimmon glaze rich in the iron content characteristic of Mashiko, precise firing control causes the iron to melt and crystallize inside the high-temperature kiln, yielding dense, beautiful spots with silver-white and metallic iridescence across the entire outer surface down to the interior bottom (mikomi). Gentle faceted carving (mentori) is applied to the vessel body, imparting a three-dimensional, powerful shadow and an inviting tactile sensation unattainable by a simple cylinder. The area around the footring is left unglazed as raw clay exposition (tsuchimise), revealing the firm, rustic texture of Mashiko clay, while the inside of the footring is glazed in persimmon with a graceful central depression. The structure, featuring ideal thickness and appropriate depth, offers excellent thermal insulation and cold retention, serving as a magnificent setting to indulge the five senses in a luxurious moment where liquor and ice harmonize.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eRegarding the production period, it can be specified as circa the 1980s to early 1990s (late Showa to early Heisei era), a period when his crystal expression of Persimmon Tenmoku reached full maturity after embarking on full-scale pottery production in Mashiko following his research career at Musashi Institute of Technology, establishing a stellar reputation through honors such as selection for the Japan Ceramic Art Overseas Exhibition and 17 solo exhibitions including Ginza Matsuya as noted in the accompanying leaflet. Because he was a researcher-type artist who eschewed mass production and strictly pursued the glaze finish of each individual piece, the number of extant works is limited, giving it significant value as a precious craft legacy. The vessel body itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining excellent condition in terms of Persimmon Tenmoku glaze coloration, crystal formation, and surface texture. It comes complete with a dedicated original box (Tomobako) bearing the handwritten ink inscription \"Persimmon Tenmoku Teacup\" and red seal on the inside of the lid, alongside an instructional leaflet (Shiori) outlining the artist's biography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003eAkira Kikuchi (b. 1935)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist Biography: \u003c\/strong\u003e4th generation heir of Mashiko's oldest kiln; graduated from Musashi Institute of Technology and conducted research in its ceramic engineering laboratory; selected for Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (and its Overseas Exhibition); selected for Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition; held solo exhibitions including Ginza Matsuya\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production: \u003c\/strong\u003eCirca 1980–1990 (late Showa to early Heisei era, estimated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good (no cracks, no chips)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eDedicated original box (Tomobako) and instructional leaflet (Shiori) included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceramic (Mashiko ware, Persimmon Tenmoku glaze)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 7.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution:\u003c\/strong\u003e All items offered by our shop are listed as pre-owned due to their historical production period. Minor changes in texture due to age may be present, 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":48332216991931,"sku":null,"price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_2605_result.jpg?v=1789091366","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/429","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}