– Contemporary ceramic artist recognised for innovative overglaze enamel techniques – Luminous surface effects combining traditional Kutani-style decoration with modern sensibility – Intimate scale perfect for daily sake enjoyment or contemplative display Summary: This is a contemporary guinomi (sake cup) by Tadataka Sudo, a Japanese ceramic artist working in the tradition of decorative overglaze enamels. Sudo's work bridges classical Japanese ceramic heritage with modern studio practice, creating vessels that honour the ritual of sake drinking whilst exploring fresh aesthetic territory. The piece shows good craftsmanship with clean execution, representing the kind of well-made contemporary Japanese ceramics that appeal to collectors seeking authentic artisan work rather than industrial production. The cup's scale and finish make it equally suitable for use or display in a curated collection. There are moments when holding the right vessel transforms an ordinary evening into something quietly memorable. A sake cup is never just a cup—it's an invitation to slow down, to notice texture against the fingertips, to let light play across a curved surface whilst conversation drifts into comfortable silence. This guinomi by Tadataka Sudo occupies that graceful space where function meets contemplation. Sudo works within Japan's rich tradition of decorated ceramics, employing overglaze enamel techniques that recall the brilliant surfaces of Kutani ware, yet his aesthetic feels distinctly contemporary. The artist's approach avoids the heavily embellished maximalism that characterises much historical Kutani work, favouring instead a more restrained palette and compositional balance. The result feels modern without severing its connection to centuries of Japanese ceramic lineage. The cup's surface likely features subtle colour variations and crystalline effects achieved through careful control of glaze chemistry and firing temperature. Contemporary Japanese ceramists often spend years perfecting these technical nuances—the precise moment to withdraw a piece from the kiln, the ideal thickness of glaze application, the interaction between body clay and surface treatment. What appears effortless is the product of sustained experimentation and intimate knowledge of materials. In scale, a guinomi sits comfortably in the palm, designed for the measured portions of sake that encourage thoughtful drinking rather than haste. The form invites close inspection: one naturally cradles the cup, observing how glaze pools in recesses or catches ambient light. This haptic quality matters. Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics value wabi-sabi—the beauty found in imperfection, impermanence, and humble materiality. Whilst Sudo's work may be more polished than rustic tea bowls, the same appreciation for direct engagement with craft applies. For the collector, this piece represents contemporary Japanese studio ceramics at a very accessible level—well-executed artisan work that carries cultural authenticity. It integrates easily into a modern interior: displayed on a simple shelf against a neutral wall, the cup becomes a sculptural accent. Grouped with other small-scale ceramics or vintage Japanese objets, it contributes textural interest and a thread of continuity with tradition. Equally, one might simply use it as intended, rediscovering each time how a thoughtfully made object elevates everyday ritual. 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.