Discover the raw elegance of Bizen-yaki pottery with this handcrafted minimalist tall ceramic cup by master potter Hirokazu SHIBAOKA. A harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern geometric form, this cup embodies the wabi-sabi philosophy of imperfect beauty.
 
🍵 Authentic Bizen Ware – Made in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, Bizen-yaki has been produced for over a thousand years. Known for its unglazed, wood-fired finish, this pottery form embraces the natural effects of fire and clay, creating unique surface textures and colour variations.
 
🍵 Natural Clay & Fire Patterns – The cup’s rich reddish-brown hue is achieved through high-temperature wood firing, where the iron-rich clay interacts with flame and ash, giving rise to organic colour gradients and natural ash patterns. These subtle earth tones reflect the inherent qualities of the local clay without any artificial glaze.
 
🍵 Geometric Faceted Design – Carved with precision, the cup’s tall, angular body features bold, faceted surfaces that give it a distinct architectural look. The interplay between smooth planes and sharp lines not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a comfortable grip.
 
🍵 Versatile & Functional – With a capacity of 320ml/10.8oz, this tall cup is ideal for serving water, iced tea, sake, or even craft beer. Its sturdy, balanced form and elegant height make it suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.
 
This Bizen-yaki minimalist tall ceramic cup is not only a functional vessel but a sculptural work of art – perfect for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of handmade ceramics. Whether used for tea, sake, or displayed as a collector’s piece, it embodies the essence of Japanese ceramic heritage.
 
<Specs>
📐 Size (DIA&H): ⌀7 x 11.4 cm / ⌀2.8 x 4.5 in
📐 Capacity (Water): 320 ml / 10.8 fl oz
📐 Colour: Brown
📐 Texture: Matt
📐 Weight: 261 g / 9.2 oz
📐 Quantity: 1
📐 Origin: Japan
 
<Notes>
📝 Please allow a 1-2 unit deviation due to the manual measurements.
📝 Colours may differ slightly from the photos, depending on lighting and screen settings.
📝 Handcrafted items are beautiful for their individual personalities, making each of them appear slightly different from the photos shown.
 
<About the Artisan>
 
Hirokazu SHIBAOKA
 
Born in 1978 as the eldest son of esteemed Bizen-Yaki ceramic artist Shusen SHIBAOKA, Hirokazu was destined to inherit and evolve one of Japan’s oldest pottery traditions.
 
After completing his studies at Kyushu Tokai University in 2001, Hirokazu refined his technical knowledge at the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Technology Center for Bizen Ceramics, graduating in 2002. Upon graduation, he entered the world of ceramic arts under the direct guidance of his father, immersing himself in the demanding practices of traditional Bizen-yaki.
 
Hirokazu’s skill and artistry have been widely recognised across Japan:
2005 – Selected for the 56th Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition
2006 – Selected again for the 57th Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition and the Issuikai Ceramic Exhibition, which spotlights emerging excellence in ceramic arts
2009 – Selected for the Issuikai Ceramic Exhibition (second time)
2010 – Exhibited at the 25th National Cultural Festival: Okayama Ceramic Art Showcase
2011 – Accepted into the 54th Japan Traditional Craft China Branch Exhibition and the 62nd Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition
 
In 2018, Shigaoka officially inherited the title of Second-Generation Kiln Master of the Shusen Kiln, continuing the family legacy with a blend of deep tradition and evolving aesthetic expression.
 
Hirokazu’s works continue this ancient legacy with a modern sensibility, embracing the raw, elemental beauty of fire and earth. His pieces are prized by collectors and tea practitioners alike for their quiet elegance, functional excellence, and deep connection to the land.