Sake cup "U" by Takahashi Michihachi

Width: 6.1cm Height: 4.5cm

This piece, featuring an abstract rabbit design neatly circling the soft milky white glaze, is part of the "Twelve Zodiac Sake Cups" series by Takahashi Michihachi IX.
Although it is calm, there is a sense of bouncing rhythm to it, which beautifully captures the spirit of the rabbit, a symbol of the breath of spring and rebirth.

1. Beauty of Form - Harmony of Elegance and Softness

The shape of the vessel is bowl-shaped with a slightly bulging body and a slight curvature towards the rim, making it gentle to hold and to drink.
The base is slightly raised, giving the overall impression a light and refined feel.
The natural curves that fit in the palm of your hand demonstrate the exquisite design sense of Kudai.

2. Glaze Tone - Warmth resides in the soft milky white glaze

The glaze that covers the entire piece is pale milky white and gives off a gentle luster whenever it catches the light.
Fine crazing appears on the surface, and over the years of use, the sake gradually seeps into the glass, deepening the appearance, allowing you to enjoy the changes.
A slight fire appears around the elevated area, adding a natural warmth.

3. Design - The rhythm of life embodied in the "Umon" design

The inscription around the bottom of the rim depicts an abstracted "U" (rabbit).
The continuous vertical lines and ear-like curves create a sense of bouncy lightness and the dynamism of spring.
Since ancient times, the rabbit symbolizes "spring, when plants sprout" and "new beginnings," and represents gentle and soft power.
This symbolism is expressed in the rhythm of the engraved lines, giving the vessel a breath of life.

4. Technique - The tranquil beauty of line engraving

After the clay is shaped on a potter's wheel and dried, the inscriptions are engraved one stroke at a time using an iron stylus.
The technique used is "glaze relief," in which the glaze flows into the recesses of the lines during firing after glazing, creating subtle shadows depending on the light.
The exquisite balance between the depth of the lines and the thickness of the glaze prevents the pattern from being overly assertive, maintaining a gentle harmony as a whole.

5. Historical and Cultural Background - Signs of Spring in the Zodiac Designs

Since ancient times, zodiac patterns have been widely used in ceramics, textiles, architectural decorations, and more, as symbols of good fortune and the cycle of the seasons.
The Chinese zodiac sign "Rabbit" governs spring and symbolizes the eastern direction and wood energy, signifying the breath of new life and development.
The ninth generation, Takahashi Michihachi, has reconstructed this traditional design with minimalist line engraving, harmonizing the classical symbolism into modern spaces.

The ninth generation Takahashi Michihachi studied fashion design and then studied under the eighth generation, and succeeded to the name of the ninth generation in 2012.
Combining the traditional techniques of Kyoto ware with the sensibilities of modern design, they continue to produce a wide range of products, from tea ceramics to sake vessels.

This work, "Uguinomi" (Sake Cup), is a fine piece with a gentle rhythm engraved into the tranquil white glaze that evokes the light of spring.
When you hold it in your palm, you will feel a soft sensation that will relax your mind.
This is a masterpiece that can be enjoyed for a long time, whether as a cup to celebrate the beginning of a new season or as a vessel for daily relaxation.