Earthenware Sake Cups by Takao Sato

Look at how the white glazing stands out from the black surface of this piece. It’s reminiscent of lovely flower petals and gives this cup a sort of vibrancy!

Turning this piece and admiring it from all angles is something you will truly enjoy doing and will probably never tire of. I’ve fallen in love with the aura it gives off. On the other hand, one of us also said “It looks like melting ice cream! Yum!

The way this piece feels in your hand is another luxury. It is thick and solid, but also light. The glazed areas have a smoothness to them while the unglazed parts differ in texture. Someone even noted that it feels like there are bits of raw ore in the unglazed parts, which tells you that it is bare fired clay. We feel that as you use and treasure this cup, the gradual changes as it ages will be a source of delight for you!

This is a guinomi made by Mr.Takao Sato in his pottery shop in Tajimi, Gifu. It is a type of Shino ware which has a history spanning about 450 years. There are many types of Shino ware that have evolved from that time to the present day. Some examples are Muji Shino, Aka Shino, Nezumi Shino, Beni Shino, and others. This example of Kuro Shino is a bit different from the more typical types and found at Mr. Sato’s shop; where we met and fell in love with this beautiful cup. Kuro means “black” in Japanese, and it is apparent on the surface of this cup. Although atypical, this Kuro Shino piece is absolutely brilliant. You can really feel a Japanese vibe and great sense of craftsmanship from its shape, size and overall presence. 

While some of the features on this piece are marginally different from a typical Shino style, we feel this white glazing is the best characteristic of all! This glaze is made from ground feldspar; the same material that historically made the white coloring of earthenware in Japan possible.

Traditionally, a guinomi is used to have sake in, and this one is slightly larger than an ochoko. You can sip anything in this, of course, including tea. Snacks like iice cream, or even would also be perfect. Any way that brings you joy works! We would be so happy if this very gorgeous Japanese cup made its way to your everyday table!

PRODUCT DETAIL
Color: shino graze
Dimension approximately:
   diameter 3.0″× height 2.4″ (7.62cm × 6.10cm)
Material: pottery
Area of origin: Gifu, Japan
Potter: Sato, Takao 
Item#: 1021

Important Notes Concerning Appliances and Fire
please refrain from using it:
-On a direct flame
-In a microwave
-In an oven
-In a dishwasher

NOTE
* Hand wash only.  A dishwasher may chip or crack your piece due to the water pressure in the machine or from surrounding dishes. Handwashing is recommended. Please do not use harsh abrasive detergents and wash gently. If really needed, please use a diluted oxygen bleach not for a long time while bleaching.
* Hot liquid might make the pottery's surface hot because of the heat conductivity, please make sure the item is not too hot to burn you before gripping it.

We appreciate your consideration of the following before purchasing:
*Due to the handmade nature of pieces, there may be slight variations in size, glaze, color, texture, pinhole, crazing, etc.
*Actual color might differ from the photo depending on the condition of the device you use.

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