*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for Bizen-ware sake cup made by noted potter, Sakakibara Keishi.  It is wheel-thrown and the exterior is faceted with a potter’s knife.  The cup is tall and thin, and it’s coated in black satin matte glaze.  This piece has a powerful form and a contemporary feel about it.  The signature of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a stamped yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile paper about the potter.

Sakakibara Keishi (b.1959) is a Bizen-ware potter and his grandfather is noted Bizen-ware potter Sakakibara Hozan (b.1917). He graduated from the ceramics department of the Nara College of Arts, and in 1978 he began studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. After his apprenticeship he joined the Bizen Togei Centre, and established his own kiln in 1989. In 1992 his work was selected for the Okayama Prefecture Exhibition, and the East Chugoku Branch Exhibition. In 1997 he participated in the Yakishime Ceramics Exhibition, and in 1998 his work was selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 1999 he exhibited at the Ceramics Biennale, and in 2001 his work was selected for the prestigious Zokei-ten Tea Ceremony Exhibition. He also received the Okayama Governors Award at the Toushinkai Spirit of Pottery Exhibition, and his work was selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition the same year. He has been working on developing his own unique brand of Kuro-Bizen pottery, and is currently gaining popularity for his contemporary style tableware.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Bizen-ware is generally known for its iron-like hardness, simple unglazed texture, and distinctive markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing. Because of the clay composition, Bizen pottery is fired slowly over a long period of time. Firings take place only once or twice a year. They require the wood fire to be kept burning for 10-14 days, which involves long hours and tonnes of wood. Bizen clay is dug up from rice fields and this iron rich clay is what gives most Bizen-ware its dark colours, though, a few potters prefer to use lighter mountain clay.

Sizes

Box:  H.12cm (4.7”) x 8cm (3.1”) x 8cm (3.1”)

Cup:  H.8.9cm (3.5”) x Dia.4.7cm (1.8”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.