Height approx. 6.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.5–6.5 cm
Condition
Very good (no chips, no cracks). Please regard the crazing that forms in firing, other characteristics of ceramics and the patina of age as part of the pleasure of an antique piece.
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About this piece
Created by Sansei Tosai Sawamura (三世澤村陶哉, 1951–) of the Otowayama Kiln, born in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture in 1951, this is an ash-covered unglazed stoneware sake cup woven by the flames and wood ash of a wood-firing kiln. The Sawamura Tosai lineage is a prestigious family of Kyo ware founded in 1919 (Taisho 8) by the first generation at the foot of Mount Otowa in Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Tosai II (二代澤村陶哉, b. 1918) studied at the Japanese Painting Department of Kyoto City Specialist School of Painting and the National Ceramic Experimental Station, and was designated a National Technical Preservation Artist. Sansei Tosai studied under Sawamura's father, Tosai II, and after completing ten years of rigorous kiln-firing and pottery training at the Gojobaka Communal Climbing Kiln starting in 1970, the artist succeeded to the name Sansei Tosai Sawamura in 1995. In 2004, the artist established the Garyu Kiln in Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture, equipped with a climbing kiln and an anagama kiln, where Sawamura has pursued unglazed stoneware and natural ash glazes alongside traditional Kyo ware techniques. Our shop presents this creation, in which the dignity of traditional Kyo ware and the beauty of natural flames merge, to the global market not only as a traditional Japanese sake vessel, but also as a vintage free cup (Japanese shot glass) for quietly savoring the rich aroma and umami of amber aged sake or matured whisky.
Observing the details of this work reveals the true essence of haikaburi (ash-covered firing) embodied by Sansei Tosai through Sawamura's anagama firing in Hino, Shiga. On the surface of the cylindrical form measuring approximately 6.5 cm in height and 5.5–6.5 cm in mouth diameter, gently flaring into a morning-glory shape, pine ash dancing inside the kiln during several days of continuous wood-firing fell onto the piece, melting at high temperatures to produce a dense deposit of yellow-green to yellow-brown natural ash glaze (haikaburi). While the ash-covered side takes on a vitreous luster, the opposite body and lower section display heavy scorched textures and fire-skin in dark brown and purplish-brown hues created by direct contact with wood flames and soot, constructing a dramatic interplay of light and dark unique to unglazed stoneware. From the interior base (mikomi) to the rim where the lips touch, the rustic warmth of clay and the smooth texture of natural ash glaze extend throughout, and the artist's oval seal reading "Tosai" is stamped on the bottom inside the foot ring.
Regarding the period of production, taking clues from Sansei Tosai building an anagama kiln (Garyu Kiln) in Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture in 2004 and fully launching the creation and exhibition of unglazed stoneware and ash-covered works through anagama firing, it is identified as an authentic work produced from 2004 (Heisei 16) to circa the 2020s. The vessel itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in natural glaze coloration, scorched texture, and raw clay state. It arrives in complete condition, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed in ink on the lid "Haikaburi Sake Cup" with a seal stamped, signed on the back of the lid "Otowayama Kiln Tosai" with a red seal, as well as a Tomonuno (wrapping cloth) with a red seal.
Career Highlights: [1970] Trained for 10 years at the Gojobaka Communal Climbing Kiln; [1995] Succeeded to the name Sansei Tosai Sawamura; [2004] Built a climbing kiln and an anagama kiln (Garyu Kiln) in Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture and began creating unglazed stoneware pottery, holding regular solo exhibitions at Takashimaya and other venues
Date: Circa 2004–2020s
Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks). Please regard the crazing that forms in firing, other characteristics of ceramics and the patina of age as part of the pleasure of an antique piece.
Accompanied by: Dedicated Tomobako, Tomonuno included
Dimensions: Height approx. 6.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.5–6.5 cm
Please Note: All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
About the Photographs: We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.
