A poetic celebration of the rising sun – masterfully crafted by a Kyoto ceramic lineage Description: This work, titled “Tōkai Chōyō Ju-hai” (“Morning Sun over the Eastern Sea, Celebration Cup”), is a superb piece by the renowned ceramic artist Eiraku Zengoro XIV. The inside of the cup features a red-gold circle symbolizing the rising sun and gilt wave patterns representing the sea, beautifully expressing traditional Japanese auspicious motifs. This design, symbolizing vitality and hope, makes the piece ideal for celebratory occasions and tea gatherings. The entire surface is covered with a warm cream-colored glaze, with fine crackle visible throughout. The rim is accented in black, giving the piece a refined and sophisticated impression. The reverse bears the seal of the Eiraku family, and the work comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), guaranteeing its authenticity. It is an exceptional piece, suitable not only for practical use but also for appreciation and serious collecting. Cultural & Art Context: The title Tōkai Chōyō (“Sunrise over the Eastern Sea”) reflects traditional Japanese symbolism of renewal and auspicious beginnings. The red-gold sun and golden waves evoke nature's harmony—central to Japanese aesthetics. Created by Kyoto’s renowned Eiraku Zengorō, the piece blends refined Kyo-yaki craftsmanship with poetic imagery rooted in seasonal and ceremonial culture. Collector Appeal This signed sake cup by Eiraku Zengorō, complete with its original tomobako, offers both artistic and historical value. Its elegant symbolism and fine Kyoto ceramic tradition make it ideal for collectors of Japanese art, tea ware, or seasonal motifs. A compact yet refined piece, it enhances both use and display. Dimensions: Diameter: 10 cm Height: 2cm Weight: 81g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Eiraku Zengoro is a prestigious Kyoto pottery lineage, one of the Senke Jushoku (Ten Craftsmen of the Sen Family), specializing in dobu furo (portable hearths) and ceramics since the late Muromachi period. It began with the first-generation Nishimura Zengoro and was solidified under the eleventh-generation Hozon, who received the silver seal "Eiraku," establishing the family name. The sixteenth-generation Eiraku Zengoro (Soku-zen, 1917-1998), eldest son of the fifteenth-generation Shōzen, entered Kyoto City Industrial Arts School in 1930 but withdrew in 1933 following his father's sudden death, succeeding to the sixteenth generation at age 18 in 1935. He inherited techniques such as blue-and-white, overglaze enamels, kinrande (gold brocade), and kōchi, built Jōyama Kiln in 1936, produced a series inspired by The Tale of Genji in 1958, became the first president of the Kyoto Traditional Crafts Association in 1960, and was granted the studio name "Tōzenken" by Omotesenke's thirteenth-generation Soku-chūsai in 1971. He received awards including the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Merit Award in 1983, the Order of the Sacred Treasure (Fifth Class) in 1990, and the Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Award Special Achievement Award in 1992. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.