Setoguro Guinomi

This Setoguro (black Seto) sake cup (guinomi) is by Tomio Ochi, an artist who diligently worked the kiln under the tutelage of Anjin Abe, pouring his still-unsated aspirations into his ceramics. This Setoguro sake cup represents a new challenge for Ochi; it features delicate yet bold craftsmanship reminiscent of a tea bowl, perfectly balanced with a deep, ink-like "hikidashi-guro" (drawn-out black) glaze. Upon close inspection, the rich, black glaze reveals extremely fine particles that shimmer like faint stars, creating a truly cosmic-colored finish. While unusually large for a sake cup, its dignified form—like a compact Setoguro tea bowl—successfully counters the tendency of black glaze to obscure a vessel's "lines" through the use of an edgy, sharp, and powerful foot design. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping).
Diameter 7.0cm × 6.8cm × Height 6.4cm Tomio Ochi was born in Ehime Prefecture in 1949 and graduated from Ehime Prefectural Niihama Technical High School.

Starting in 1969, while working as a company employee, he studied painting and sculpture at Taka Art.

In 1976, he received instruction under Anjin Abe while serving as a kiln assistant in Ehime Prefecture.

In 1998, he built his own kiln on the premises of Anjin Abe's studio in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture.

He applies his background in sculpture and painting to his creation of Bizen ware.