Mori Togaku (Japanese, born 1937). <em>Sake Vessel (Kabura) in the Shape of a Turnip</em>, ca. 1987. Bizen ware: stoneware with natural ash glaze and scorch marks, 11 7/16 × 11 13/16 in. (29 × 30 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Partial gift of Steven Korff and Marcia Van Wagner and Bertram H. Schaffner Asian Art Fund, 2020.1.4 (Photo: , CUR.2020.1.4_edited.jpg)

Mori Togaku (Japanese, born 1937). Sake Vessel (Kabura) in the Shape of a Turnip, ca. 1987. Bizen ware: stoneware with natural ash glaze and scorch marks, 11 7/16 × 11 13/16 in. (29 × 30 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Partial gift of Steven Korff and Marcia Van Wagner and Bertram H. Schaffner Asian Art Fund, 2020.1.4 (Photo: , CUR.2020.1.4_edited.jpg)

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Sake Vessel (Kabura) in the Shape of a Turnip

Mori Togaku

Asian Art

ARTIST Mori Togaku, Japanese, born 1937

MEDIUM Bizen ware: stoneware with natural ash glaze and scorch marks

DATES ca. 1987

DIMENSIONS 11 7/16 × 11 13/16 in. (29 × 30 cm) (show scale)

MARKINGS Artist's stamp on front and base of the vessel.

INSCRIPTIONS Artist's signature on the box.

COLLECTIONS Asian Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2020.1.4

CREDIT LINE Partial gift of Steven Korff and Marcia Van Wagner and Bertram H. Schaffner Asian Art Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Large round bottle with globular body, narrow neck and wide, flaring rim. This shape is called a kabura, or turnip shape. The rim, neck, and upper shoulder are dark red from carefully manipulated kiln conditions. Immediately below that is a ring of lighter, unmarked clay, and below that is a thinner coating of grayer ash glaze that runs the length of the body. Dark red "drip" effects -- actually scorch marks from materials wrapped around the neck before firing -- run down the shoulders of the vessel. Mori Togaku is a master of creating kiln effects such as ash glazing and scorch marks, both of which are traditional ornaments in Bizen ware. He fires in a mammoth traditional wood-fired kiln. The fact that the piece is stamped twice by the artist suggests that it he was particularly enthusiastic about it. Accompanied by a traditional wood storage box with artist's signature and seal.

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Mori Togaku (Japanese, born 1937). Sake Vessel (Kabura) in the Shape of a Turnip, ca. 1987. Bizen ware: stoneware with natural ash glaze and scorch marks, 11 7/16 × 11 13/16 in. (29 × 30 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Partial gift of Steven Korff and Marcia Van Wagner and Bertram H. Schaffner Asian Art Fund, 2020.1.4 (Photo: , CUR.2020.1.4_edited.jpg)

IMAGE overall, CUR.2020.1.4_edited.jpg., 2019

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Sake Vessel (Kabura) in the Shape of a Turnip

Mori Togaku

Asian Art

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