Bizen Beer Drinker

This Bizen sake cup is by Mitsuhiro Urakami, who continues the exceptional ceramic techniques inherited from his father, the Intangible Cultural Property holder Zenji Urakami. By applying an intense reduction firing, he has created an original work in which the colors typically associated with white and red *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterns shift to blue-gray and black. The *hidasuki* intersecting across the blue-gray body is applied with a sharp, straight precision that conveys a sense of speed, perfectly complementing the style of the piece. Despite the black *hidasuki*, the characteristic quality of the Bizen clay remains, allowing the user to enjoy a fine, creamy foam when drinking. Signed wooden box (two-way braced)
Diameter 8.6cm × Diameter 8.5cm × Height 9.6cm Mitsuhiro Urakami began studying under his father-in-law, Zenji Urakami, in 1973, learning the fundamentals of clay preparation, kiln packing, and firing. He established his own studio in 1975. Having studied the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, he frequently crafts tea utensils. Trained by Zenji, he also specializes in figurative works, including zodiac animals. He received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Okayama Prefectural Exhibition in 1984 and 1986. His work has been recognized at the Zento Exhibition, the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and the Yakishime Ceramics Competition, among others. He has also held joint exhibitions with his father in Hiroshima and Okayama.