Clad in Light Guinomi Sake Cup

Clad in Light Guinomi Sake Cup by Seto ware artist Taruta Hiroshi is a piece defined by quiet refinement. Its smooth celadon finish lends the guinomi sake cup a subtle elegance and a light, balanced feel. Taruta employs the traditional hotarude technique, carving thin diagonal slits across the surface. When light falls upon the cup, soft shadows gather along these lines, as if light itself were gently draped over the form, evoking the natural, fluid fall of woven fabric. The result is a vessel that conveys a distinctly Japanese sense of understated elegance and poise.

The technique known as hotarude—literally “firefly technique”—traditionally involves carving intricate openings in porcelain and coating them with a translucent glaze. This allows light to pass through the vessel while maintaining a seamless surface, creating points of illumination reminiscent of fireflies glimmering in a silk-dark night.

Beyond the intricacy of the carving, the glaze plays an essential role in shaping its luminous character. Taruta began working with the glaze during his apprenticeship and continued to refine its formulation by carefully adjusting glaze composition and firing conditions, achieving a balance of color and translucency. The porcelain glows softly while preserving the clarity of the carved lines.

This guinomi sake cup naturally invites the hand, encouraging a moment of close attention. As the cup is turned, shifting light glides across its contours, revealing layers of soft sheen and bringing its textures and flowing curves into view.

Taruta Hiroshi

Taruta Hiroshi is a Seto ware artist specializing in hotarude, an openwork technique in which cutouts are carved in clay, then filled with translucent glaze before firing. Working with porcelain and pale celadon glaze, Taruta thus creates landscapes of light with each delicate incision. He brings an innovative approach to his work, seeking out new modes of expression as he pushes the boundaries of hotarude. His elegant vessels foster interactions between space and light that bring a sense of wonder and quiet mystery.

Seto Ware

Made in and around Seto City in Aichi Prefecture, Seto ware encompasses a wide range of ceramics that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and innovation. As one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (Rokkoyo), the Seto region holds a distinguished place in the country’s ceramic heritage. It was also a pioneer in porcelain mass-production, and its widespread use gave rise to the word setomono—a term still used today to refer to ceramics in general.

Remarkable for its stylistic breadth, Seto is one of the few regions in Japan where both stoneware and porcelain are made. From simple everyday tableware to more refined pieces, Seto ware continues to shape the rhythm of daily life with creations that balance tradition and creativity.