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

This listing is for a wood-fired Bizen-ware sake cup made around 50-60 years ago.  It is wheel-thrown and made of gritty, high-fired stoneware clay.  This piece is somewhat rudimentary in appearance which adds to its folk art charm.  The mark of the potter can be found on the bottom and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.

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.7.9cm (3.1”) x 8.3cm (3.2”) x 8.3cm (3.2”)
Cup: H.5cm (1.9”) x Dia.6.5cm (2.5”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from a slightly wobbly bottom, and there are some minor borer holes and tunnels on the exterior of the box.  There’s also a split in the wood on the bottom of the box.

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.