Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Mitsuhiro Uragami, who inherited exceptional ceramic techniques from his father, the Intangible Cultural Property holder Zenji Uragami. It is a highly original piece where, through intense reduction firing, the typically white and red *hi-dasuki* (fire-cord) markings have transformed into blue-gray and black. The black *hi-dasuki* draped over the moist, smooth surface creates a serene aesthetic reminiscent of ink wash painting. After being thrown thickly on the wheel, the clay was shaved with a spatula to create a finish that balances sharpness and substance, embodying the distinct Uragami style. With signed paulownia wooden box (shiho-zan).
Diameter 7.3cm x Diameter 7.2cm x Height 6.1cm Mitsuhiro Uragami began his apprenticeship under his father-in-law, Zenji Uragami, in 1973, learning the fundamentals of clay preparation, kiln loading, and firing. He established his own studio in 1975. Having studied the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, he frequently creates tea utensils. Trained by Zenji, he is particularly skilled at crafting ceramic figurines, including those of the Chinese zodiac. He received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition in 1984 and 1986. He has also been recognized at the Zento Exhibition, the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and the Yakishime Ceramic Open Exhibition, among others. Additionally, he has held joint father-son exhibitions in Hiroshima and Okayama.