– Contemporary work by KURATA Mitsunori (蔵田光憲), an artist working in the tradition of Japanese studio ceramics – Rich brown-to-amber glaze with deliberate unglazed areas revealing the raw clay body – Intimate scale perfect for sake appreciation; each angle reveals a different character Summary: This is a guinomi (sake cup) by contemporary Japanese ceramic artist KURATA Mitsunori, whose work embodies the spirit of modern studio pottery rooted in centuries-old Japanese ceramic traditions. The piece features warm earth tones with a richly textured glaze that shifts from deep brown to reddish amber, creating subtle variations across the surface. The unglazed foot reveals the raw clay body – a deliberate aesthetic choice that contrasts the refined glaze work with the honest, rough texture of the clay itself. This duality is central to the piece's appeal: it speaks to collectors who value the hand of the maker and the quiet drama that comes from restraint. The guinomi comes with its signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming authenticity and provenance. There are certain vessels you hold once and immediately understand their purpose. This guinomi is one of them. Small enough to cradle in your palm, weighty enough to feel substantial, and visually dynamic enough to reward close inspection – it's the kind of object that transforms a casual pour into a minor ceremony. KURATA Mitsunori works within the rich lineage of Japanese studio pottery, where the individual artist's vision meets centuries of ceramic tradition. His guinomi demonstrate a deep understanding of form, glaze chemistry, and the aesthetic philosophy that values imperfection as a mark of authenticity. The signed tomobako (wooden box) that accompanies this piece bears his name in calligraphy, a traditional method of authentication that links the work directly to the maker. This is not mass production; this is the work of a single pair of hands, thrown on the wheel, glazed with intention, and fired with care. The glaze itself is the star here. It flows unevenly across the surface, pooling in some areas and thinning in others, creating a landscape of colour that shifts from deep chocolate brown to warmer amber tones. In certain light, you can see where the glaze has interacted with the clay body during firing, producing subtle flashes of red and orange. This unpredictability – the collaboration between artist and kiln – is what makes each piece unique. No two cups by KURATA will ever be identical, even if thrown from the same clay and glazed with the same recipe. The fire makes the final decisions. The foot of the cup is left unglazed, exposing the raw, slightly coarse texture of the clay. This is not an oversight; it's a deliberate choice rooted in the wabi-sabi aesthetic that celebrates natural materials in their unadorned state. When you lift the cup, you feel the contrast between the smooth, glassy glaze on the upper portion and the dry, earthy clay below. It's a tactile reminder that this object began as raw earth, shaped by human hands, and transformed by fire. This honesty of materials is deeply appealing to collectors who seek authenticity in an age of industrial uniformity. In terms of scale, this guinomi is intimate without being precious. It's sized for a single pour of sake, encouraging slow, deliberate drinking rather than rushed consumption. The irregular rim – slightly higher on one side than the other – adds to the sense that this is a living, breathing object rather than a standardised product. When you turn it in your hand, the profile changes: from one angle it appears almost cylindrical, from another it reveals a subtle belly. This dynamic quality rewards repeated handling and invites contemplation. For collectors of Japanese ceramics, this guinomi represents an accessible entry point into the world of contemporary studio pottery. It carries the weight of tradition without feeling like a museum relic. It's a functional object that also functions as a small sculpture – equally at home on a shelf, in a display cabinet, or in daily use. In a modern interior, whether minimalist Scandinavian or eclectic mid-century, it adds a note of warmth and handmade character. It pairs beautifully with natural materials: wood, linen, stone. And it tells a story every time you use it – the story of an artist working quietly, patiently, in the long shadow of Japan's ceramic masters. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.