Hidasuki Bloom Water Basin

The Hidasuki Bloom Water Basin is a work of structured elegance, reflecting Mori Toshiaki’s pursuit of geometric repetition and creative innovation in Bizen ware. Its rhythmic, cylindrical panels, shaped with deliberate regularity, come together to create a form that feels both precise and organic. Fired in a gas kiln, this carefully controlled process brings Mori’s vision to life—a piece where simplicity in structure gives rise to new and unexpected beauty.

Inspired by the resemblance to a flower, Mori imbued the basin with a warm, fiery tone through the hidasuki (fire cord) technique, where straw wrapped around the clay leaves vibrant, flame-like patterns during firing. The flowing streaks evoke the gentle whorls of petals or the swirling motion of a vortex, adding a sense of movement to the basin’s stable design. Achieved through a two-step firing process, the colors are enhanced and refined, creating clean yet dynamic lines.

Beyond its sculptural presence, this water basin offers versatility. It becomes a flower vessel, embracing seasonal blooms and branches with quiet grace, as though returning them to nature. Its cylindrical design interacts seamlessly with its surroundings, instilling a sense of calm and understated elegance. Whether as a focal point in an interior or as a vase for floral arrangements, it exudes poise and inspired creativity.

Through the Hidasuki Bloom Water Basin, Mori Toshiaki continues to explore the boundaries of Bizen ware, merging architectural precision with natural inspiration. The result is a piece that is both grounded in tradition and strikingly contemporary.

Mori Toshiaki

Among the esteemed lineages known as the Bizen Rokusei, or Six Ancient Kilns of Bizen ware, Hozan Kiln stands out as a venerable institution. Mori Toshiaki, the 19th-generation successor, masterfully upholds this rich tradition while pioneering new possibilities. Balancing his responsibilities at the kiln with his personal artistic pursuits, Mori conducts extensive research and explores innovative approaches in both shaping and firing techniques, pushing the boundaries of Bizen ware.

Bizen Ware is a traditional stoneware produced in the Imbe area of Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the oldest ceramics in Japan, and is made using the “Yakishime" technique, in which pieces are fired at high temperatures without glaze to make them durable and water-resistant.
Bizen Ware is called "the art of clay and fire" for the exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln's flames, and is characterized by its minimalist, "wabi-sabi" design.