Bizen sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is the work of Reiji Omori, an artist who approaches Bizen pottery with a love for the earth, a passion for ceramics, and profound respect for the potters of the past. It was fired in an anagama kiln that Omori built from scratch, using meticulously prepared clay, and it bears a powerful "yohen" (kiln transformation) effect. The grey-toned ash glaze that wraps around the entire circumference, resembling the "madoe" (window painting) style of Black Oribe, is a true masterpiece. The depth of the clay's character, which retains a rich flavor despite such intense firing, is perhaps the very charm of Bizen ware that continues to captivate Omori himself. Due to the intense firing process and Omori’s signature bold carving of the foot, the piece may wobble slightly. We ask for your kind understanding in this matter. Signed wooden box (shiho-san)
Diameter 8.1cm x Diameter 7.3cm x Height 4.6cm Reiji Omori was born in Tobe, Iyo District, Ehime Prefecture, in 1969. He completed his studies at the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic College in 1988 and apprenticed under Shun-tei Kato in 1989. After further training in Iga, Mie Prefecture, and Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, he became enamored with Bizen ware and moved to Bizen in 1999. In 2000, he built his studio and anagama kiln in Osafune, Ushimado-cho, and held his first firing in 2004.