Sangiri and Goma Beer Cup Pair

This is a pair of Bizen ware beer cups with patterns called "sangiri" and “goma.” The coarse texture, exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln's flames is a remarkable example of Bizen ware, "the art of clay and fire."

The "san" in sangiri refers to the wall inside the kiln. The work placed on the side of the wall where ash tends to accumulate is covered with ash from the pine wood, and the part of the work not directly exposed to the fire reacts with the ash, turning it grayish brown or blackish brown. Also during the process, the ash sometimes creates a pattern resembling "goma (sesame)," on the surface. Each firing results in a different pattern, making each piece a unique work of art.

Hozan Kiln

Hozan Kiln is a long-established Bizen ware kiln located in Imbe, Bizen City, the hometown of Bizen ware, and is directly descended from the Six family of Bizen ware potters. It has produced many masterpieces of tea ceremony utensils, sake cups, and works of art since long ago. The fan-shaped ceramic stamp (brand mark) used today at the kiln is known to have been stamped on a large jar from the 16th century.

Bizen Ware is a traditional stoneware produced in the Imbe area of Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the oldest ceramics in Japan, and is made using the “Yakishime" technique, in which pieces are fired at high temperatures without glaze to make them durable and water-resistant.
Bizen Ware is called "the art of clay and fire" for the exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln's flames, and is characterized by its minimalist, "wabi-sabi" design.