Blown mud gold and blue sake cup by Ichiji Shimizu

Height: 4.4cm Width: 7cm

Blown-mud gold and blue sake cup - A supreme sake cup woven with the striking beauty of Shimizu Kazuni

A masterpiece with a vivid design that catches your eye

The Fukido Kinpekisai Shuten features a unique design with elegant gold and navy curves on a vibrant blue background. The brilliance of the gold and the calm color of the navy blue on the blue background create an exquisite contrast that delights the eye. The unique texture of the fukido technique adds depth to this sake cup, and every time you pick it up, you will discover something new. Its beauty stands out from every angle, making it a truly exquisite piece worthy of being called a work of art.

Exquisite harmony created by the craftsmanship of the artisans

This sake cup by Shimizu Ichiji is a perfect fusion of traditional fukidoro (blown clay) techniques and innovative design. The gold and navy blue curves are the result of intricate expression achieved through skilled techniques, and you can feel the warmth and high level of perfection that can only be achieved through handcrafting. Its smooth texture and intricate decoration will impress the owner every time it is used, directly conveying the skill and artistry of the artisan.

Make your sake time a special occasion

This sake cup will make your time enjoying sake even more special. Its shape fits comfortably in your hand and its moderate weight will bring you a pleasant feeling of satisfaction every time you drink. Its beautiful design will add color to your evening drinks or toasts on special occasions, creating a high-quality moment. In particular, the vibrant colors of gold and navy blue on a blue background have the appeal of adding a touch of elegance to any dining table.

Lasting beauty and value

Shimizu Ichiji's works have eternal value, never losing their beauty over time. This blown clay gold and blue sake cup will develop a unique texture and character that will grow on its owner the more it is used. Not only will it be a lifetime piece, but it will also retain its value as a special piece worthy of being passed down to the next generation.

Biography

Born in Tachikui, Hyogo Prefecture in 1961
1984-1988: Studied in Tamba, Seto, and Bizen
1989 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (also selected in 1991-1994 and 2004)
1990: Won the Kobe Mayor's Award at the Hyogo Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition
1993 Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (also selected in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019)
Received the Kobe Shimbun Prize at the Hyogo Prefectural Crafts and Arts Exhibition Received the Issuikai Prize at the 55th Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition
1994: Selected for the Tanko Biennale Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition
1995 Selected for the Ceramic Art Biennale Received the Saga Goryu Award at the Flower Ceramic Exhibition Selected for the Japan Craft Exhibition Ceramic art demonstration at Europe Japan Week (Salzburg, Austria)
1996: Won the Jury Prize at the Flower Ceramics Exhibition (also won the same prize in 1997 and 1998)
1999 Japan Foundation Traveling Exhibition “Japanese Pottery – The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns”
2000 Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition TOKI Oribe Silver Award Winner Selected for the Mashiko Ceramic Art Exhibition (also selected in 2002, 2004, and 2008)
2001: Selected for the World Craft Competition in Kanazawa Held a workshop in Walla Walla, Washington, USA
2002: Won the Excellence Award at the BONSAI Pottery Exhibition (Takagi Bonsai Museum) Selected for the Vallauris Ceramic Biennale (France)
2003 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (also selected in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008-2023)
Selected for the Chosansho Ceramic Art Exhibition (also selected in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015)
2004: Opened Hakuyo Kiln. Selected for the 19th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (Part 1, Traditional Category Award Nominee).
Winner of the runner-up prize at the 1st Contemporary Ceramics Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition
2008: 70th Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition, Issuikai Honorable Mention Award
2009: Received the Ibaraki Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum Award at the 20th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition; received the Shiga Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent Award at the 38th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition; received the Japan Crafts Association Award at the 37th Traditional Crafts Ceramic Art Division Exhibition; received the Issuikai Award at the 71st Issuikai Ceramic Art Division Open Exhibition; received the Kinoshita Memorial Award at the 72nd Issuikai Ceramic Art Division Open Exhibition
2011: Selected for the Kobe Biennale 2011 Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition. Donated a large tea bowl to Saidaiji Temple in Nara.
Selected for the 1st Toubi Exhibition in 2013 (also selected in 2015, 2016, and 2018)
2014: Won the Excellence Award at the Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition III: Contemporary Ceramics; Won the Encouragement Award at the 2nd Ceramic Art Exhibition: "Identity and Originality" (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
"Contemporary Ceramic Phenomena" (Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum)
2015 TAMBA NOW+ (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
2016 "Contemporary Ceramics Guide" (Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum)
2017: Won the Kobe Shimbun Grand Prize at the 55th Hyogo Crafts Exhibition
2018: Donated a tea bowl to Jonan-gu Shrine (Fushimi, Kyoto)
2019: Winner of the Encouragement Award at the 36th Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize "Chanoyu Art Exhibition"
2020 TAMBA NOW＋2020 (The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo)
2022: Japan Crafts Association Ceramics Division 50th Anniversary Exhibition "Ceramics Connecting to the Future - The Power of Traditional Crafts" (Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art, National Crafts Museum, Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum, etc.)