Sake cup by Michihachi Takahashi

Width: 6.1cm Height: 4.5cm

This piece, "Sheep," is one of the "Twelve Zodiac Sake Cups" series by Takahashi Michihachi IX, and is enveloped in a soft, pale milky white glaze with a pattern gently emerging around the bottom of the rim.
The gentle form, tranquil glaze, and rhythm of the continuous engraved lines all combine to create a piece that resonates with the traditions of Kyoto ware with a modern sensibility. Below, we will introduce its appeal in detail from five perspectives.

1. Beauty of form - A soft, enveloping form

The shape is a slightly rounded bowl, with a line that gently widens towards the rim. The body gently bulges and converges gently towards the base, providing a natural sense of stability in the hand. The slightly outward-curved rim rests comfortably on the lips, making this a design that combines functionality and beauty as a sake cup.

2. Glaze Tone - The silence and warmth that resides in the milky white glaze

The glaze is a pale, slightly thick milky white that reflects gently when exposed to light. Fine crazes appear on the surface, and over time, the piece will pick up subtle stains, deepening its appearance. The soft beige color of the fire around the base adds a touch of warmth to the tranquility.

3. Design - Peace and harmony embodied in "Mibun"

The pattern that circles the bottom of the rim is an engraved inscription that symbolizes an abstracted sheep.
The vertical lines and gently arching curves intersect to create a soft impression, like budding plants.
Since ancient times, the sheep has been considered a symbol of "calmness, cooperation, and peace," and has been worshipped as a being that brings people together in harmony.
The inscriptions on this piece also evoke a gentle atmosphere and harmonious rhythm.

4. Technique - Delicate harmony of engraved lines and glaze

After the potter's wheel is shaped, the patterns are engraved one stroke at a time with an iron stylus while the piece is drying. During firing, the glaze flows slightly into the grooves, creating a "glazed relief" effect in which shadows emerge depending on the light.
The depth and spacing of the lines are precisely controlled, and although the pattern is continuous, each line seems to breathe.

5. Historical and cultural background: Zodiac motifs and the aesthetic sense of Kyoto ware

Since ancient times, zodiac patterns have been incorporated into tableware and textiles as auspicious symbols.
"Sheep" is the eighth of the Chinese zodiac and symbolizes "wood energy" in the Yin-Yang and Five Elements. It represents a state of harmony between growth and stability.
The ninth generation Takahashi Dohachi sublimated this symbolism into a composition of simple lines, eliminating excessive decoration to express the "beauty of tranquility."
The elegance of Kyoto ware resonates with a modern sense of design, making this a vessel of prayer and harmony.

The 9th generation Takahashi Dohachi studied fashion design before moving on to pottery, and studied under the 8th generation in 1996. He succeeded to the name of the 9th generation in 2012.
He is known for his style of reconstructing the overglaze, glaze, and shape of traditional Kyoto ware, while presenting a minimalist beauty that is in line with the times.

This work, "Sake Cup Mi," is a masterpiece that resonates with the heart with its gentle rhythm carved into the tranquility of the milky white glaze.
When you hold it in your palm, it gives you a sense of calm and security, like a spring breeze blowing through.
You can enjoy this vessel for many years to come as it will be a part of your daily life, calming your mind and bringing harmony.