Crafted by Miraku Kamei XIV (1931–2014), a Fukuoka City Intangible Cultural Property Holder born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1931 and passed away in 2014, this is a pair of traditional craft Takatori ware meoto yunomi (husband-and-wife teacups). Takatori ware was founded in 1606 (Keicho 11) by Hachizan (Hachizo), who was brought back from Korea by the Chikuzen Kuroda clan lords Kuroda Josui and Nagamasa; under the guidance of Kobori Enshu, it established the prestige of kirei-sabi (refined elegance) as the head of the Enshu Seven Kilns. Miraku XIV studied under his father, Miraku XIII—who was recognized as a Technical Preservation Artist by the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce in 1944—learning the secret glazes and advanced thin-throwing techniques of Takatori ware, and succeeded to the name Miraku XIV in 1964. In 1975 (Showa 50), he was designated an Intangible Cultural Property Craft Technique Holder, gained high renown as his representative works were acquired by the Kitakyushu Folk Crafts Museum, and Her Imperial Highness Princess Mikasa visited the Miraku Kiln. Our shop presents this pair, fusing traditional dignity with modern sculptural beauty, to the global market not only as everyday teaware, but also as a pair of vintage free cups (Japanese rocks glasses) for quietly savoring the rich umami of amber aged sake or matured whisky.
Observing the details of this work, the multi-color double-glazing and dripping techniques in which Miraku XIV excelled draw a magnificent contrast with his remarkably precise throwing technique. On the surface of the comfortable cylindrical form measuring approximately 7.7 cm in height and 6.3 cm in mouth diameter for the larger cup, yellow glaze, momigara (rice husk ash) glaze, and furashi (white-mottled) glaze are applied in multiple layers over a reddish-brown iron-rich clay body, producing geometric mottled patterns and beautiful dripping effects through thermal shifts and chemical reactions inside the kiln. One cup features spots neatly lined along horizontal wheel-turned lines, while the other exhibits a powerful net-like landscape formed by yellow glaze flowing vertically, showing distinct natural expressions despite being a matched pair. A band of milky-white furashi glaze coats the rim, and delicate mottled glazing is seamlessly applied down to the back of the foot ring, with the artist's seal stamped at the center of the base.
Regarding the period of production, taking clues from the included Takatori ware overview leaflet, which records the publication of the commemorative catalog "Chato Takatori" in October 1975 (Showa 50) upon his designation as an Intangible Cultural Property Craft Technique Holder, the acquisition of his work by the Kitakyushu Folk Crafts Museum, and HIH Princess Mikasa's visit, it is identified as an authentic creation produced between 1975 and circa 1985, when his artistic style reached its peak immediately following his Intangible Cultural Property designation. The vessel bodies themselves have no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in both glaze luster and texture. It arrives in complete condition as a pair, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed in ink on the lid "Takatori Meoto Yunomi" with the signature "Miraku saku" and red seal stamped, along with the overview leaflet.
- Artist: Miraku Kamei XIV (1931–2014)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1944] Studied under his father, Miraku XIII (Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce Technical Preservation Artist); [1964] Succeeded to the name Miraku Kamei XIV; [1975] Designated as a Fukuoka City Intangible Cultural Property Holder, visited by HIH Princess Mikasa, Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association
- Works Housed In: Kitakyushu Folk Crafts Museum, Fukuoka City Folk Museum, etc.
- Period of Production: Circa 1975–1985 (Estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako, leaflet included
- Material: Ceramic (Takatori ware, multi-color dripped glaze, stamped seal)
- Dimensions: (Larger cup) Height approx. 7.7 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.3 cm (Pair)
- Caution: 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.
