Bizen ware sake cup

This Bizen sake cup is by Masahiro Miyao, who was drawn to the art of earth and fire that is Bizen ware and studied its techniques in Imbe. The piece was fired in a sealed reduction environment, and is characterized by a magnificent *hi-dasuki* (fire-cord) pattern with metallic accents. The interior view is reminiscent of freshly forged steel, and one cannot help but be intoxicated by the profound beauty of the metallic *hi-dasuki*. The three-dimensional pattern created by cutting and applying clay is also superb, reflecting the highly skilled nature of Miyao's artistry. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 7.0 cm × Diameter 6.8 cm × Height 4.8 cm Masahiro Miyao was born in Tsuiki-cho, Fukuoka Prefecture. He came to Bizen in 1991 to begin his training. In 1995, he joined the Bishu kiln, where he honed his ceramic skills under the guidance of Yuichi Yamamoto. He built his own climbing kiln and had his first firing in 2001. He has received numerous awards, including the Prefectural Exhibition Encouragement Award in 1999, the Prefectural Exhibition Prize in 2000, and the Excellence Award at the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition in 2003, and in 2006, he won the Japan Kōgei Association Chairman's Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. In 2007, he received the Okayama Mayor's Award at the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch 50th Anniversary Exhibition and became a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 2008, he won the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition.