Blue Bizen Sake Cup

This is an Ao-Bizen (blue Bizen) sake cup by Mitsuhiro Uragami, the heir to the Intangible Cultural Property holder, the late Zenji Uragami, and an artist who carries on his superb pottery techniques. He has brilliantly inherited the unique Ao-Bizen style characterized by the subdued gray base and black *tasuki* (sash) markings that Zenji Uragami excelled at. The piece was wheel-thrown with thick walls and then meticulously chamfered with a spatula, resulting in a distinct, dignified form that perfectly complements the chic black *tasuki* design—a key part of its appeal. Even within the blue-gray earthen texture, a subtle gradation is clearly visible, giving the monotone landscape a finish overflowing with the emotional depth characteristic of ceramics. This ensures that even with its chic aesthetic, the piece does not feel overly cold, retaining the essential "comfort" of pottery as it meets the hand and lips. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 7.3cm x 7.1cm x Height 5.9cm 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 became independent in 1975. Having studied the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, he frequently creates tea utensils. Influenced by Zenji's mentorship, he also challenges himself with decorative craftwork. He received the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Prefectural Exhibition in 1984 and 1986. He has won awards at the All-Japan Ceramics Exhibition, the Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition, and the Yakishime Pottery Open Exhibition, among others. He has also held joint exhibitions with his father in Hiroshima and Okayama.