Takahashi Rakusai iv (*1925)

This cylindrical fresh water jar (tsutsu-mizusashi) is made by Takahashi Rakusai IV. The sand-colored clay - still to be seen at six firing support marks at the bottom - changed into bright red orange during firing process. Thick green grey ash glaze is laying on the front and turns more into yellow sprinkles to the top.  The inside has a fantastic ash glaze that runs in strips to the bottom of the jar. Beautiful masterpiece in excellent condition.

Takahashi Rakusai IV was born 1925 in Shigaraki and is probably the most famous Shigaraki potter. The Takahashi family is along with the Ueda family the oldest potter family in Shigaraki and largely responsible for preserving traditions, especially after the second world war. Takahashi Rakusai IV succeeded his father the third Takahashi – who was designated as "Intangible Cultural Property" by government – in 1976 and passed the tradition subsequently to his son in 2010.

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