Kato Shuntei is one of the worlds foremost experts and a renowned master in Japan of Hikidashi-guro (pull from the Kiln Black). I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2005 on my way to work as a artist in resident in northern Japan and stopped by his studio where I acquired a small guinomi (sake cup) of his that to this day is one of my favorite drinking vessels for use with sake and shoju. I was recently able to procure this piece and it will not disappoint. The vessel was made in the classic HIkidashi-guro style using the simplest of glaze ingredients water, feldspar, clay, and wood ash. After glazing the cup was fired in a traditional anagram kiln. When the vessel is reaching almost white light, over 1250 degrees centigrade (2300 Fahrenheit) it is pulled from the kiln and quenched in a pail of water. This method of pulling the ware out of a hot kiln and quenching it in water is is used explicitly in the Hishidashi-guro technique, and is seen in the work of potters in Mino, Seto, and the black Raku potters or Kyoto, although each group have slightly different glaze chemistries and/or particulars of this technique.

This particular guinomi is an exceptional example of Kato Shuntei’s work with the classic jet black of his glaze, a direct result of the quick cooling from the kiln and the iron not having the opportunity to crystallize during a more traditional slow cooling used in other ceramic techniques. This cup even shows the process of Hikidashi-guro with a beautiful mark left on the interior of the cup from the tongs used in pulling it out of the anagama. Included with this piece is its original Kiri Bako (paulownia wood storage box), the original artist’s bio in Japanese, and cloth with Kato Shuntei’s stamp.

Please do not miss this opportunity to experience using this vessel as I have enjoyed using mine.