silver ochoko by Yasushi Fujihira

Width 8.5cm x Height 4.5cm

A conversation with Yasushi Fujihira

The "Sake Cup" by Yasushi Fujihira is a work that features the cold, shining luster of silver. Its beauty is mysterious, like a full moon floating in the winter night sky, and gives an impression of tranquility. The refined form and the shadows created by the reflection of light capture the hearts of those who see it and sharpen the senses of those who touch it.

Silver shine reminiscent of the moon in the winter sky

The silver finish on the entire sake cup gives it a cool and quiet feel.
The deep luster reflects the light in complex ways, and it looks different from every angle. This rich and varied luster gives the cup a sense of dynamism, as if it were alive. When amber-colored sake is poured into the cup, the silver luster reflects the liquid, creating a fantastical beauty as if it were clad in a golden glow. Simply pouring sake into the cup makes the piece even more appealing, evoking deep emotions in the heart.

Smooth curves and delicate craftsmanship

The shape of the sake cup has been carefully shaped with smooth curves to fit naturally in the palm of the hand. Its comfortable coolness when held in the hand stimulates the senses in a pleasant way. When brought to the mouth, the cool sensation of the silver gives a fresh surprise to the lips, providing a special experience that awakens the senses. The way the sake flows along the rim has a beauty reminiscent of the sparkle of a jewel, and displays the transparency and reflective qualities unique to silver sake cups. This momentary beauty shows that the sake cup is a work of art that goes beyond functionality.

Dynamic expression created by light and shadow

This sake cup creates different shadows every time the light hits it, and its impression changes depending on the time and the environment. This is an exquisite effect created by the characteristics of the silver material and the outstanding technique of Fujihira Yasushi. The cup, which is supposed to be stationary, appears to be moving depending on the light, creating a dynamic expression that the viewer will never tire of.

The beauty of silver deepens with time

As time passes, silver cups acquire a natural texture from the user's hand, further enhancing their appeal. The change in color due to silver's unique oxidation and the shine of the polished parts create a unique presence that seems to carve out history together with the user. Fujihira Yasushi's sake cups have a beauty that develops as vessels that reflect the life of their owner. The beauty of the cool, shining silver, the smooth shape, and the rich expressions created by the light and shadows of the "sake cups" captivate those who see and touch them. The moment sake is poured into them, the contrast with the luster of the silver creates a visual impression, turning the act of drinking itself into a special experience.

This sake cup, which is both practical and outstanding as a work of art, is a one-of-a-kind item that brings special moments into your daily life and weaves history together with its user. When you pick up this sake cup, you can feel the respect for nature that Yasushi Fujihira has instilled in it, and the essence of the craftsmanship that brings out the beauty of the material.

<<Toshihira Yasushi’s Pottery History>>
1963 Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Father is Shin Fujihira.
1988 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Vocational Training School. Selected for the Nitten Exhibition (2 more times)
1989 Kyoto Exhibition Akane Award ('90 Mayor's Award) Selected for the Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition
1990 Selected for the Modern Asahi Craft Exhibition (four times since then)
1991 Ceramic Art Biennale Encouragement Award, All Kansai Art Exhibition Honorable Mention ('92 same award)
1992 Selected for the Kyoto Craft Biennale Selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition
1993 All-Kansai Art Exhibition, Kansai Award, 2nd Place
2008: Submitted to the Paramita Ceramic Art Grand Prize Exhibition