Yohen Guinomi Sake cup by order Kiyohide Imai Bizen ware, Nippon2You

Vintage Japanese unglazed pottery sake cup (Guinomi) of Bizen ware (Bizen yaki). Was made about 20-30 years ago. Made of iron rich clay, wood fired in Anagama kiln. The dynamic textures and colors are created naturally by the clay, fire and ash ( Yohen / Kiln mutation). It's EXCELLENT work, WABI SABI taste. Made by Kiyohide Imai (1949-). The signature of the potter is carved on the bottom. Come with original signed wooden box, profile paper and cloth.

Kiyohide Imai (1949-) profile :
- 1949 : Born in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
- 1982 : Received guidance from Toshu Yamamoto (Living National Treasure) and Yuichi Yamamoto (Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Property).
- 1985 : Selected for Japan Traditional Crafts China Branch Exhibition.
- 1986 : Japan Traditional Crafts China Branch Exhibition Award. / Okayama Mayor Award. / Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize (Four times).
- 1987 : Selected for The 9th Japan Ceramics Exhibition.
- 1988 : Selected for The 35th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
- 1989 : Selected for The 10th Japan Ceramics Exhibition.
- 1992 : Selected for The 9th Chanoyu Sculpture Exhibition. / The 18th Bigeikai Exhibition Prize.
- 1994 : Selected for The Asahi Ceramics Exhibition.
- 1998 : Selected for The 45th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. / The 24th Bigeikai Exhibition Prize Winner Sanyo Shimbun President Award.
- 1999 : Exhibited at New York (The Nippon Gallery).
- 2002 : Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize Winner Encouragement Prize.
- 2004 : The 30th Bigeikai Exhibition Grand Prize.
- 2006 : Selected for The Japan Traditional Crafts China Branch Exhibition. / Became chairman of Bigeikai.
- 2012-2016 : Selected for The Japanese Traditional Crafts China Branch Exhibition.
- 2015 : Appointed Bizen Tourism Ambassador.

Bizen ware (Bizen yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally from Bizen province, presently a part of Okayama prefecture. Bizen ware was traditionally produced in and around the village of Imbe in Bizen province, from where it received its name. It is therefore also known as Imbe or Inbe ware. It has ties to Sue pottery from the Heian period in the 6th century, and made its appearance during the Kamakura period of the 14th century. Bizen is characterized by significant hardness due to high temperature firing, its earthen-like, reddish-brown color, absence of glaze, order although it may contain traces of molten ash resembling glaze, and markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing.

***Condition***
As show in the pictures, it's EXCELLENT condition. No chips, no cracks.

***Size***
Max diameter 7 cm. x Height 5.5 cm.

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