Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup by Masahiro Miyao, an artist captivated by the art of earth and fire who studied ceramic techniques in Imbe. The cup features horizontal spatula carvings, making it appear as though the piece itself was drilled directly out of a geological stratum. By firing it on its side to align with these horizontal lines, the "goma" (ash glaze) has formed striped, bead-like drips that creep along the carvings. Furthermore, this horizontal firing has created a large flow of goma on the interior, forming a golden tongue with a subtle hint of blue that emerges against a black background, delighting the owner. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 6.7cm × Diameter 6.8cm × Height 6.2cm Masahiro Miyao was born in Tsuiki-cho, Fukuoka Prefecture. He came to Bizen in 1991 to begin his apprenticeship. In 1995, he joined the Bishu kiln and honed his ceramic skills under the guidance of Yuichi Yamamoto. He built his own climbing kiln and launched 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 Exhibition of Tea Ceramics 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 regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association. In 2008, he received the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Chugoku Branch Exhibition.