Fukuoka City Intangible Cultural Property Holder, Chikuzen Kuroda Clan Official Kiln, Kamei Miraku XIV (十四代 亀井味楽): Takatori Mottled Dripped Glaze Meoto Yunomi Pair, Japanese Free Cup Pair, Sake Vessel #314
(Larger cup) Height approx. 7.7 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.3 cm (Pair)
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.
Free within Japan. We also ship overseas for a flat fee (see our Shipping Policy).
Dispatch
Within 5 business days after payment is confirmed (excluding weekends, Japanese public holidays and our closing days).
Payment
Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more. You can choose at checkout.
Returns
As our items are antiques and vintage spirits, we cannot accept returns or cancellations for a change of mind. If an item arrives significantly damaged through our clear fault, we refund the full amount once it is returned (Refund Policy).
Delivery to your hotel while visiting Japan
If you are visiting Japan, we can also deliver to your hotel or other accommodation in Japan.
In that case, after placing your order and at least 5 days before your preferred delivery date, please send us the reservation holder's details, your check-in date, and whether you have confirmed that the hotel will accept the parcel, by email (support@antiqueliquor1926.com) or via our contact form.
About this piece
Crafted by Kamei Miraku XIV (十四代 亀井味楽, 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 the preceding head and 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), the artist was designated an Intangible Cultural Property Craft Technique Holder, gained high renown as Miraku XIV's 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 the artist's 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 the artist's designation as an Intangible Cultural Property Craft Technique Holder, the acquisition of Miraku XIV's 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 Miraku XIV's artistic style reached its peak immediately following Miraku XIV's 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.
Career Highlights: [1944] Studied under the artist's father, Miraku XIII (Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce Technical Preservation Artist); [1964] Succeeded to the name Kamei Miraku XIV; [1975] Designated as a Fukuoka City Intangible Cultural Property Holder, visited by HIH Princess Mikasa, Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association
Public Collections: Kitakyushu Folk Crafts Museum, Fukuoka City Folk Museum, etc.
Date: Circa 1975–1985 (Estimated)
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, leaflet included
Dimensions: (Larger cup) Height approx. 7.7 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.3 cm (Pair)
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.
Japanese Pottery Seals, Box Signatures and Marks: A Photo Index of 160 MakersThe seal or incised signature on the base of a piece, and the signature and s...
Giving the Era They Were Born In — Pairing Old Bottles and Artist-Made Vessels from the Same DecadeBesides "what to give", there is another way to choose a gift: "which era to ...
Whisky Warmed Like Sake — Hot Whisky in Japanese Vessels, from Hitohada-kan to Jo-kanIn the world of sake, warmed sake is named in five-degree steps — hinata-kan,...
