This is a Hagi-yaki tea bowl made by Toran Noutomi, a Hagi-yaki artist. It is a fine piece characterized by the rich color variations typical of Hagi-yaki and the shrinkage near the foot. The slightly deep interior is also interesting. Size: Approximately 12 cm in diameter, approximately 9 cm in height (Please note that there may be some errors due to amateur measurements.) Hagi-yaki Kiln, Toran Noutomi, Ceramic History Thoughts on Hagi-yaki Hagi-yaki began about 380 years ago, after the Bunroku and Keicho Wars (1592), when the feudal lord Terumoto Mori invited the Korean potters, the brothers Ri Shakko and Ri Kei, to open a kiln in Hagi during the Keicho era. The early works were imitations of tea bowls from the Ri dynasty and were so similar to "Karatsu" that they were indistinguishable, but after the discovery of Daido clay in the Kyoho era (1716), the texture became softer, and as it began to be used, the color and luster gradually changed, resulting in the unique characteristic of Hagi-yaki known as "Hagi's Seven Transformations," which has been loved by many tea masters since ancient times. We inherit the wonderful techniques left by our predecessors and always hope to express "elegance" in our works. Our studio is located near the southern end of Hagi City, at the foot of a mountain surrounded by deep greenery, away from the mundane world, and we strive daily with the sound of the wind in the pines as our companion. Please come and visit us when you come to Hagi. We are looking forward to your visit. Gassho Brief Biography Born November 12, 1921 Stopped working as a Hagi-yaki wholesaler in 1951 and began making pottery (Keizan Kiln) Established Toran Kiln and became independent in 1971 Solo exhibition at Tobu Department Store, Tokyo, twice in 1975 Biennial Honda Gallery, Osaka, thereafter Tenmaya, Okayama Izutsuya, Kokura Iwataya, Hakata Odakyu Department Store, Tokyo Masuda Gallery, Tokyo Hagi-yaki Kiln, Daikazan Toran Toran Noutomi