This is a Koitozaka Irabo-glazed footed cup, directly crafted by Shibukusa Ryuzo VI (real name: Mitsuru Toda), a master craftsman who carries on the legitimate lineage of Shibukusa ware, a traditional craft that has been continuously passed down in Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, from the late Edo period to the present day. Its small size fits comfortably in the hand, and we propose it as a premium shot glass for enjoying Japan's excellent traditional crafts in a modern lifestyle. This piece holds the highest value as a vessel for savoring aged sake that has developed a rich amber color over time, possessing a profound, mellow aroma and a dense flavor, or for enjoying carefully selected whiskey. Spending time enjoying exquisite sake in this vessel, which possesses overwhelming elegance as a work of art, offers a supremely luxurious experience for entertaining international collectors and discerning guests.
The accompanying wooden box (tomobako) bears the elegant brushstrokes of "Koitozaka" on the right side, and Ryuzo's signature and seal on the left. The side of the box features Shibukusa Kobo's original green label, and the cloth wrapping the piece is stamped with the clear mark of Hida Shibukusa. These clearly prove that this work is an authentic piece created by Shibukusa Ryuzo VI. In the history of Shibukusa ware, the fact that this piece is named Koitozaka and fired with this unique technique is extremely profound and dramatic. While Shibukusa ware began production in 1842 (Tenpo 13), its prehistory includes the year 1836 (Tenpo 7), when wealthy merchants from Takayama invited the renowned potter Toda Ryuzo from Seto. He established a kiln in Koitozaka, west of Takayama City, and began pottery production (the second period of Koito ware). Toda Ryuzo initially attempted to produce porcelain from local clay in Koitozaka, but due to the environment and technical difficulties of the time, he was forced to cease operations after only about five years. However, Ryuzo was later recalled by the Hida magistrate, successfully discovered high-quality pottery stone in the local mountains, and finally succeeded in producing porcelain. This marked the beginning of what is now Shibukusa ware.
Generally, Shibukusa ware is widely known for its porcelain pieces with splendid paintings on smooth white porcelain surfaces. However, the design and technique of this work hold a special meaning that sets them apart. For this vessel, instead of porcelain, a pottery base utilizing the texture of coarse clay is intentionally used, over which a yellowish-brown glaze with a slightly rough texture is applied. This is the very technique of Irabo glaze, the traditional basic glaze of Koito ware. Furthermore, the bold blackish-brown iron runs (tetsunagashi) applied over the glaze bake the powerful dynamism of the moment of chemical reaction with the flames in the kiln into the vessel. In other words, the fact that Shibukusa Ryuzo VI intentionally named this footed cup "Koitozaka" and created it using the Irabo glaze technique, synonymous with Koito ware, tells us that this work expresses the utmost homage (historical respect) to the Koitozaka era—the origin of the founder Toda Ryuzo's challenging and difficult endeavors in pottery before successfully producing porcelain. This is an extremely rare and story-rich masterpiece that completely reproduces and fuses the beauty of the roots of Koito ware, another master craft of Hida Takayama, within the vessel, while utilizing the reliable technical skills of Shibukusa ware. This piece, which has been carefully preserved as a flawless complete item with its original box and original wrapping cloth, is a special sake vessel of museum-grade value, allowing international collectors to feel the profound depth of Japanese craft history.
- Artist: Shibukusa Ryuzo VI (Real Name: Mitsuru Toda, 1923-2012)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1841] Opened kiln in Shibukusa (ancestral foundation), [1981] Succeeded as Shibukusa Ryuzo VI, led the modernization of traditional crafts and unique ceramic expression in Hida Takayama for many years
- Works in Collection: Hida Takayama Museum of Art, public institutions related to Takayama City, etc.
- Production Period: 1980s - 2000s (estimated)
- Condition: Good (no chips, no cracks, some stains on box)
- Accessories: Dedicated wooden box (tomobako), original wrapping cloth included
- Material: Pottery (Irabo glaze, iron run)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 6.8 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 4.4 cm
- Note: Although the products we offer may be unused, they are from a very old production period and are all listed as used items. Please be aware that products may have damage due to age, and consider purchasing after understanding and verifying their condition.
