Okimono / Bizen / Takahara Shoji
Bizen Shishi Okimono by Takahara Shoji
Takahara Shoji(1941-2000) was one of Bizen's finest veteran potters who started in the early 1960s when there were only a dozen or so potters; now there are said to be about 600. He studied with Okayama Intangible Cultural Treasures Ishii Furo(1899-1964) and Isezaki Yozan(1902-1961) before establishing his own kiln in 1962. His reputation amongst Bizen fans in the know is as solid on the legs on this rare Shishi. It was made in the late 1980s to celebrate his 30 years as a potter and very much mirrors a similar Shishi made by Isezaki Yozan--see Yellin's blog on Isezaki. This is the first Takahara okimono we've ever handled and it is indeed a wonderful museum piece. The shishi looks to the heavens with an auspicious peony branch in its mouth. The stance is proud yet relaxed and Takahara added appropriate carving lines around the body. A similar Takahara Shishi is in the deluxe book 'Showa Bizen Meihin Zukan' or Masterpieces of Showa Period Bizen. In perfect condition with a signed box, 27.5cm.tall, 31cm.long and 18cm.deep, signed on side. We also will offer another rare Takahara work, actually three tokkuri along with three Kanai Shuzan, for a six tokkuri set, also a first for us to see. Look for a mini Fujioka Shuhei Iga exhibition online from tomorrow. Lastly, Takahara's work Takahara is in the Frankfurt Museum of Decorative Arts as well as the famous Burke Collection of NYC. Additional photos gladly sent upon request. To all in the US: Happy 4th!
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
