Tokkuri / Bizen / Mori Togaku
Black Bizen Tokkuri by Mori Togaku
Mori Togaku (1937- ), an Okayama Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property holder, already has a place for himself in not only the history of Bizen, but of contemporary Japanese ceramic history. He will be remembered not only for his tremendously large kilns, 20 meters and 53 meters, yet also for his pure creations. Currently he is building the largest kiln ever in Japan, an awesome 90 meter long kiln that he plans to fire only once for a period of 3 months. Togaku is an extraordinary Bizen potter. He pushes the limits of Bizen, and for the limits of his own powers. He was largely contested to be the next Living National Treasure, but Isezaki Jun was such designated. However, one thing is for certain. In the eyes and hearts of Bizen collectors, this noble potter needs no accolades; he is in a league of his own. Here is a museum quality Kuro Bizen (black Bizen, or Bizen with an iron slip) tokkuri by Togaku. The only other Bizen tokkuri I've ever seen with this goma covering is a masterpiece from the 16th century that I've had the privilege to hold; the owner said it's worth the cost of three homes. I show a photo here taken from a Taiyo magazine issue on Tokkuri and Guinomi, published by Heibonsha, 1994. I kid you not, there are spirits in this tokkuri and they rise on the front of Mori's tokkuri. In perfect condition with a signed box, fired last year, 14.2cm.tall.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
