Taku Mamoru (多久守), Japanese, b. 1952

A Bizen Ibe Tokkuri (備前伊部手蕪徳利)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019 – present)

About the work

A finely fired Bizen ware tokkuri by Taku Mamoru, executed in the classic Ibe style associated with the historic pottery village of Imbe in Okayama Prefecture. The vessel displays a graceful rounded body rising to a short neck and gently flared mouth, creating a timeless silhouette rooted in centuries of Japanese ceramic tradition.

The surface exhibits the rich natural effects for which Bizen ware is celebrated. Warm amber and golden-brown tones sweep diagonally across the shoulder and body, contrasting with areas of deep chocolate brown and charcoal grey. These dramatic colour variations were created entirely through prolonged wood firing, with no applied glaze, allowing flame, ash, and atmosphere to leave their distinctive imprint upon the clay. The softly lustrous surface and subtle transitions of colour demonstrate the potter's mastery of kiln placement and firing control.

Both functional and sculptural, the vessel possesses a quiet strength characteristic of fine Bizen ceramics. Its balanced proportions and expressive firing effects make it equally suitable as a sake flask, flower vessel, or display piece.

The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and artist documentation.

Dimensions

11.3cm(h) x 13.8cm(w) x 12.9cm(d)

Footnote

Taku Mamoru (多久守), born in Okayama in 1952, is a Bizen ceramic artist known for his dedication to traditional wood-fired techniques. He entered the field of ceramics in 1982, studying under Bizen potter Kimura Takaaki. The following year he built a climbing kiln in Saeki, Okayama, producing his first firing. In 1998 he constructed a semi-underground anagama kiln in Takebe, where he continues to work primarily with wood firing. Taku has exhibited widely, including multiple selections to the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. His awards include the Grand Prize at the 15th Okayama Arts and Culture Awards and the top prize at the Tanabe Museum’s “Forms of Tea Ceremony” exhibition. He has also held numerous solo exhibitions across Japan.