This sake cup (ぐい呑み, guinomi) is a handcrafted work by Japanese ceramic artist Takashi Kimura (木村貴史), known for his expressive, organic style and mastery of glaze techniques. The piece is characterized by its dynamic, flowing blue glaze over a pale white clay body. The contrast between the deep cobalt tones and the natural, off-white clay surface evokes a sense of movement and depth, reminiscent of ocean waves or indigo ink spreading across washi paper. The surface displays intricate crazing (kannyu), a traditional feature in Japanese ceramics that adds texture and visual interest. The irregular, hand-formed rim and asymmetrical body reflect Kimura's intentional embrace of imperfection, inspired by the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi — beauty in imperfection and transience. This guinomi offers a tactile experience, with its subtly undulating surface and weight that fits comfortably in the hand. It is not only a functional object for enjoying sake but also a collectible example of contemporary Japanese ceramic art. It comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), an orange protective cloth with seal mark, and the artist’s printed biography. A fine piece for collectors of modern Japanese pottery or tea ceremony utensils. About Guinomi (ぐい呑み) The guinomi is a small, hand-held cup traditionally used for enjoying sake. Slightly larger than the more formal ochoko, the guinomi allows for a fuller appreciation of both aroma and temperature of the sake, making it a favored vessel among connoisseurs. Unlike mass-produced ware, handmade guinomi like this one are appreciated not only for their utility but also for their artistic expression, often reflecting the individuality and philosophy of the artist. Each guinomi becomes a personal, tactile experience—enhancing the ritual of sake drinking. About Takashi Kimura (木村貴史) Takashi Kimura is a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist born in Osaka in 1981. After graduating from the Department of Design and Fine Arts at Osaka University of Arts Junior College in 2001, he trained in tableware production at Sugiyama Tobo in Sasayama (Hyogo). In 2004 he built his own kiln in Toyono, Osaka Prefecture, held his first firing in 2005 while working as an assistant instructor at a pottery school in Kobe, and went on to hold solo exhibitions in Kobe’s Kitanozaka (2006) and at Daimaru Kobe (2016). Kimura is known for powerful, highly sculptural forms and glazes that seem to capture natural landscapes – vast skies, seas, distant mountains and flowing lava – as if they had been cut directly from nature. He skillfully uses combinations of flowing glazes and intentionally unglazed, wood-fired “yakishime” areas, creating a striking contrast between gloss and matte, light and shadow, movement and stillness. The depth of his surfaces comes from a delicate balance between chance effects in the kiln and precise control, giving his work both strength and refined beauty. Many of his vessels and vases feature multiple glazes melting together into complex, modern color fields, a characteristic noted by galleries that present his flower vases and art pieces. Because of this, Kimura’s cups, tea bowls and flower vases are highly appreciated by collectors of contemporary Japanese ceramics who seek pieces that are rooted in tradition yet clearly individual and expressive. Shipping / Policy Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Guarantee Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.