Blue Bizen Sake Cup

This is a blue Bizen sake cup by Mitsuhiro Uragami, the successor to the Intangible Cultural Property holder Zenji Uragami, who carries on his brilliant ceramic techniques. He has masterfully inherited the unique blue Bizen style characterized by a calm gray body and black *tasuki* (cord-like markings), which was a specialty of Zenji Uragami. The piece is thick-thrown on the potter's wheel and then carefully faceted with a spatula, creating a profound, substantial form that perfectly complements the chic black *tasuki* design. Even within the blue-gray clay texture, a distinct gradation is present, resulting in a finish full of the earthy charm expected of pottery, despite the monochromatic landscape. Because of this, the piece maintains a chic appearance without feeling cold, ensuring the "comfort" one seeks in pottery that touches the hands and lips. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 7.2cm x Diameter 7.2cm x Height 5.9cm Mitsuhiro Uragami began studying under his father-in-law, Zenji Uragami, in 1973, learning the fundamentals of clay preparation, kiln loading, and firing. He became independent in 1975. He studies the Urasenke school of tea ceremony and frequently creates tea utensils. Additionally, guided by Zenji’s teachings, he has also taken on the challenge of creating intricate ceramic sculptures. He won the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition in 1984 and 1986. He has received various awards, including at the Zento Exhibition, the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and the *Yakishime* Ceramic Open Competition. He has also held joint exhibitions with his father in Hiroshima and Okayama.