Bizen Beer Drinker

This is a Bizen sake cup by Mitsuhiro Uragami, son and successor of Intangible Cultural Property holder Zenji Uragami, who carries on his father's magnificent ceramic techniques. This original piece features a unique transformation where the typically white and red *hi-dasuki* (fire cord) patterns turn blue-gray and black due to an intense reduction firing process. The *hi-dasuki* crossing the blue-gray body is applied in a steady, straight manner that conveys a sense of speed, perfectly matching his style. Despite the black *dasuki*, the characteristics of the Bizen clay remain, allowing for a fine, creamy head when pouring beer or other drinks. Signed wooden box (two-way sliding lid)
Diameter 8.6cm × Diameter 8.5cm × Height 9.6cm Mitsuhiro Uragami began his apprenticeship under his father-in-law, Zenji Uragami, in 1973, learning the fundamentals from clay preparation to kiln loading and firing. He established his own studio in 1975. He studies the Urasenke tea ceremony and frequently creates tea utensils. Trained by Zenji, he specializes in decorative 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 Zen-to Exhibition, the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and the Yakishime Pottery Open Exhibition. Additionally, he has held joint exhibitions with his father in Hiroshima and Okayama.