Japanese Shigaraki Guinomi Sake Cup by Sawa Kiyotsugu #5562

width: approx. 6.6cm (2.6in)
height: approx. 5.1cm (2.0in)
weight: 98g (w/ box 192g)
condition: Very good
Accessories: Original signed wooden box (Tomobako), Stumped cloth (Tomonuno)
Shipping: Shipped from Japan with a tracking number. We take great care in professional packaging to ensure the item arrives safely.

Shigaraki ware boasts a history spanning over a thousand years as one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. This deeply expressive *guinomi* (sake cup) was brought to life by the renowned master ceramicist Kiyotsugu Sawa, who continues to work in this historic land, pushing the vitality of clay to its absolute limits.
The piece exudes an overwhelming presence, defined by its robust, powerfully balanced form and the characteristically coarse, rustic texture of the Shigaraki clay. The dramatic interplay of earth and fire is fully realized within: from the *yohen* (accidental kiln transformations) born in the extreme heat of the flames, to the intricate colors woven by natural ash glaze, and the rustic, tactile texture that instantly connects with your hands the moment you hold it.

1948-2025
male
shigaraki pottery

He first studied under Shimizu Shosen in Kyoto, and then trained for five years under Takahashi Shunsai in Shigaraki. Later, he opened the Seishi Kiln in Shigaraki and became independent. He mainly produces traditional Shigaraki natural glaze and high-fired unglazed ceramics.

1948 Born in Shiga Prefecture

1966 Entered the Ceramic Training School in Kyoto

1967 Joined a pottery studio in Sennyu-ji, Kyoto

1969 Returned to Shigaraki and began pottery making while studying under Shunsai Takahashi

1981 Established his own independent studio

2001Exhibited at “The Great Shigaraki Exhibition” (The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Shiga)

2005 Exhibited at the “Eight Japanese Potters Exhibition” (Niigata)

2019 Exhibited at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi (Tokyo)

2025 Designated as a Holder of Intangible Cultural Property of Koga City