Item Description: This is a distinctive Japanese sake cup (guinomi) by renowned ceramic artist Takatsuru Gen (1938-), featuring a dramatic dark brown to black glaze with an organic, free-flowing rim. The piece exemplifies the artist's mastery of contemporary ceramic techniques combined with traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. The cup showcases exceptional craftsmanship with its lustrous dark glaze that displays subtle variations in tone, from deep chocolate brown to near-black. The most striking feature is the naturalistic, undulating rim that creates an organic, sculptural quality, reminiscent of natural forms or flowing water. This irregular edge is characteristic of contemporary Japanese studio pottery, where the artist embraces the beauty of asymmetry and natural irregularity (wabi-sabi aesthetic). The piece features a well-proportioned footed base with exposed clay showing the fine craftsmanship beneath the glaze. The cup comes with its original wooden box (tomobako) inscribed with the artist's signature and seal, confirming this as an authentic work by Takatsuru Gen. Takatsuru Gen (b. 1938) is a highly accomplished ceramic artist and member of the Japan Crafts Association (Nihon Kogeikai). He has received numerous prestigious awards including the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Chairman's Prize (multiple times) and the Japan Ceramic Society Award. His pieces are highly valued by collectors for their innovative approach to traditional techniques. Size Height: 3.5 cm Width: 7 cm Depth: 7 cm Weight: 59 g Condition The cup shows characteristics consistent with vintage studio pottery. Please refer to the photographs for detailed condition assessment. Artist Profile Takatsuru Gen was born in 1938 in Fukuoka Prefecture as the eldest son of Takatsuru Kazan. After graduating from Saga Prefectural Arita Technical High School's Ceramics Department in 1957, he began his professional career, receiving the Fukuoka Prefecture Board of Education Chairman's Prize at the West Japan Crafts Exhibition in 1961. He established his independent kiln in 1965, marking the beginning of his journey as a studio potter. Between 1968 and 1969, he achieved remarkable recognition by receiving the Japan Crafts Association Chairman's Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition twice consecutively, leading to his membership in the Japan Crafts Association in 1969. In 1975, he was honored with the prestigious Japan Ceramic Society Award, cementing his reputation as one of Japan's leading contemporary ceramic artists. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.