This inlaid slip clay sake cup is crafted by ceramic artist Taro Kamoda (b. 1963), who was born in 1963 as the eldest son of Shoji Kamoda (1933–1983)—a master hailed as a genius who revolutionized the Showa modern ceramic art world—and returned to Mashiko to inherit the Kamoda Kiln following his father's untimely passing in 1983. While inheriting the workshop and spirit of pottery-making left by his father, he sublimated hand-built forming without the use of a potter's wheel alongside his original geometric inlay techniques. Beginning with his debut solo exhibition at Aoyama Green Gallery in 1986, he presented his works at prominent craft galleries nationwide, earning high acclaim as the legitimate successor of the Kamoda Kiln. Featuring a heartwarming form that settles comfortably in the palm and a refined expression where sharp inlaid patterns stand out against a rough, powerful clay body, this piece goes beyond its function as a traditional guinomi (sake cup). Taking advantage of its exquisite upward flare that concentrates rich aromas, we present it to the global market as a luxury Japanese shot glass (sake vessel) for enjoying premium aged sake, matured whisky, or tequila neat.
Examining the fine details of this work, the gentle, hand-built sculpting—Taro Kamoda's true essence—and the intricate decorative techniques of "inlay and slip clay decoration" that serve as the signature of Kamoda Kiln are masterfully fused. The rough, dark-toned slip clay body containing coarse sand grains imparts a subtle, natural irregularity and a pleasant sense of weight unique to hand-built ceramics. On the side, a streamlined geometric pattern created by inlaying glaze into hand-carved incisions is arranged, generating a striking contrast with the rustic clay texture. On the interior bottom (mikomi), white slip and pale ash glaze are applied, with fine crazing and glaze crawling rendering a deep, nuanced expression. Furthermore, inside the footring on the base, a square-framed geometric inlaid mark—the hallmark of Taro Kamoda and the Kamoda Kiln—is clearly carved.
Regarding the period of production, it can be specified as circa 1986 to 1995 (late Showa to early Heisei era), a timeframe following his return to his father's workshop in 1983, his formal succession to Kamoda Kiln in 1985, and his 1986 debut solo exhibition, during which he established and matured his style characterized by hand-built softness and geometric inlay. Because he eschewed mass production and meticulously finished each piece individually by hand-building and hand-carving, his annual output remains extremely limited, making this a work of high collectible value. The vessel body itself exhibits no damage such as cracks or chips, maintaining excellent condition in both the texture of the slip clay and the coloration of the inlay. It comes complete as a perfect set with a dedicated original box (Tomobako) bearing his handwritten ink inscription of "盃" (sake cup) and red seal on the inside of the lid.
- Artist: Taro Kamoda (b. 1963)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1983] Returned to Mashiko following his father's untimely passing; [1985] Inherited Kamoda Kiln; [1986] Held debut solo exhibition at Aoyama Green Gallery, followed by numerous solo exhibitions at craft galleries nationwide
- Works Housed In: Permanent museum collection records are not maintained; works are primarily presented through prominent craft galleries and solo exhibitions nationwide
- Period of Production: Circa 1986–1995 (late Showa to early Heisei era, estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated original box (Tomobako) included
- Material: Ceramic (Mashiko ware, inlay, slip clay decoration)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 3.7 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.2 cm
- Caution: All products offered by our shop are listed as 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.
