Crafted by Shosen Tsuchiyama (b. 1933; real name: Tadao Tsuchiyama; art name: Heian Shosen), a master artisan of Kyoto and Kiyomizu ware who was selected as a Traditional Craftsman and an Outstanding Technical Performer in Traditional Industries of Kyoto Prefecture (Master Artisan of Kyoto) after studying under Kyuho Nishimura II and winning numerous awards, this is a polychrome dragon and phoenix motif sake cup (guinomi). Familiar with the potter's wheel since the age of 14 and hailed as a "born potter's wheel master," Shosen Tsuchiyama established exceptionally high acclaim through his thin, elegant throwing techniques and refined Kyoto-style painting that elevated the traditions of ancient Chinese ceramics, such as Swatow red-enameled ware (Gosu Akae) and Wanli red-enameled ware (Wanli Akae), into a modern context. In 2004, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Single Ray, leaving an indelible mark as a leading figure in the Kyoto ceramics world. Our shop presents this work to the global market not only as a traditional sake cup or guinomi, but also as a vintage shot glass (Japanese sake cup) for quietly savoring aged amber sake or matured whisky straight.
Observing the details of this piece reveals the height of Shosen Tsuchiyama's signature precision wheel work and the supreme auspicious motif of the "Dragon and Phoenix (Ryuhou Teisho)" derived from classical Chinese ceramics. On the exterior of the porcelain body, thrown to extreme thinness and uniformity through hand-carving, a polychrome "dragon" gracefully dancing through clouds and a "phoenix" brilliantly spreading its wings are painted as a pair, constructing a grand worldview symbolizing the harmony of Yin and Yang and prosperity. Based on cobalt underglaze blue (Sometsuke), vivid red, green, and yellow overglaze enamels are skillfully arranged, minutely capturing the dynamic flight of the dragon and the expansive beauty of the phoenix's tail feathers around the entire circumference. Furthermore, on the inner rim, a fine hanging-bead (Yoraku) pattern is rendered using traditional Kyoto ware blue-and-white (Seika/Sometsuke) techniques, while the rim and bottom of the foot ring are decorated with brown glaze (Kuchibeni) that tightens the overall design. Combined with the regularity of the continuous mountain-shaped (wave-crest) pattern painted beside the foot ring, the piece achieves perfect harmony between a comfortable weight in the hand and dignified color beauty.
Regarding the period of production, taking clues from his peak era of maturity in technique and style—when he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman in 1992 and received the Kyoto Prefectural Governor's Award as a "Master Artisan of Kyoto" in 1998—it is identified as an authentic creation made between the 1990s and the early 2000s (early Heisei to Heisei 10s era). The vessel itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in both overglaze enamel coloration and glaze quality. It arrives in complete condition, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) hand-inscribed on the lid with "Iro-e Ryu no Zu Guinomi" in ink and signed with a seal stamped on the back of the lid by the artist.
- Artist: Shosen Tsuchiyama (b. 1933; real name: Tadao Tsuchiyama; art name: Heian Shosen)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1955] Studied under Kyuho Nishimura II; [1964] Became independent and was given the name "Shosen" by the chief priest of Daitoku-ji Koto-in; [1976–1978] Won the Excellence Award for three consecutive years at the Kyoto Traditional Craftsmanship Competition; [1992] Certified as a Traditional Craftsman; [1998] Commended as an Outstanding Technical Performer in Traditional Industries of Kyoto Prefecture (Master Artisan of Kyoto); [2004] Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Single Ray
- Works Housed In: Kyoto Traditional Crafts Archive, Public Traditional Crafts Collections, Private Connoisseur Collections, etc.
- Period of Production: Circa 1990s–early 2000s (Estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako included
- Material: Porcelain (Kyoto/Kiyomizu ware, polychrome enamels, underglaze blue, hand-carved)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 5.3 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 5.9 cm
- 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.
