Sangiri Dragon
This Bizen work by Mori Toshiaki is a fusion of tradition, artistry, and the elemental power of fire. Crafted entirely by hand, it embodies the raw beauty of unglazed clay, shaped and transformed through flames.
The surface of each piece bears the sangiri pattern, a striking hallmark of Bizen ware. Achieved by strategically placing charcoal around the pieces in the final moments of firing, this process results in organic variations of deep smoky grays, soft metallic hues, and rare blue or golden undertones. No two sangiri patterns are ever the same.
At the heart of the work is a hohin, a handleless vessel with a wide, open shape. Alongside it is a yuzamashi, accompanied by five matching smaller vessels, bringing together multiple elements within a single composition. Each unglazed surface reveals the subtle variations created by the firing, allowing the character of the clay and the sangiri pattern to remain at the center of the work.
Perched atop the hohin lid, a meticulously sculpted dragon coils in quiet command—its sinuous form hand-carved in extraordinary detail. Chosen as a motif during a period of artistic reflection, the dragon symbolizes wisdom, strength, and the unseen forces that shape both fire and clay. An alternate lid without the dragon is also included, offering a more understated variation, while the dragon-topped lid remains the defining feature of this singular piece.
Rather than focusing on function, the work brings together form, surface, and symbolism in a quiet expression of Mori’s craftsmanship and his relationship with fire and clay.
There is only one in the world. A piece of artistry that will never be replicated.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 hohin, 1 yuzamashi, and 5 smaller vessels |
| Size |
[Hohin with dragon lid] 9.0 cm (3.5 in) x 12.5 cm (4.9 in) x H 11.5 cm (4.5 in) [Hohin with optional lid] 9.0 cm (3.5 in) x 12.5 cm (4.9 in) x H 8.5 cm (3.3 in) [Yuzamashi] 10.0cm (3.9 in) x 11.3 cm (4.4 in) x H 5.0 cm (2.0 in) [Small vessel] D 8.0 cm (3.1 in) x H 4.5 cm (1.8 in) [Wooden box] L 22.0 cm (8.7 in) x W 24.5 cm (9.6 in) x H 12.5 cm (4.9 in) |
| Capacity |
[Hohin] 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) [Yuzamashi] 130 ml (4.4 fl oz) [Small vessel] 50ml (1.7 fl oz) |
| Weight |
[Hohin] 355 g (12.5 oz) [Yuzamashi] 135 g (4.8 oz) [Small vessel] 90 g (3.2 oz) |
| Material | Stoneware |
| Package Type | Wooden box |
Maker / Brand
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.
Crafts
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.
Notes
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About Artist
Musubi Gallery
Since its inception, MUSUBI KILN has strived to introduce the world to the finest traditional crafts from masters all around Japan.
Here, in the Gallery, we seek to showcase the highest echelon of traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can discover works from masters who have not only perfected those methods, but added their imagination to innovate the craft even further.
Some of these masters have even been named Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, a title bestowed upon them by the Japanese government to formally recognize their contribution to crafts and culture—thereby cementing their legacy and making them an important part of art history.
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over many months to create a timeless treasure that's unlike any other. And when it's in your home, you, too, will become part of that history.
Welcome to the Gallery. Please, peruse at your leisure.
