Sangiri Yunomi Japanese Teacup Pair

This is a Bizen Ware teacup with a pattern called "sangiri." The coarse texture, exquisite colors, and patterns produced by the kiln's flames are 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 pine wood, and the parts of the work not directly exposed to the fire react with the ash, turning them grayish brown or blackish brown. 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, Hozan Kiln is directly descended from the Six Families of Bizen ware potters. For centuries, it has continuously produced masterpieces of tea ceremony utensils, sake cups, and art pieces. The oldest-known piece to bear the fan-shaped ceramic stamp, or brand mark, the kiln still uses today is a large jar dating to 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.