Sake cup (guinomi) c. early 21th century

Editor: Here we have a stoneware Sake cup, called Guinomi, crafted by Ichino Masahiko around the early 21st century. I find the vertical white lines on the dark-to-light brown gradient so striking and ordered, and yet the shape is subtly irregular and invites the touch. How do you interpret this form? Curator: From a formalist perspective, the success of this piece hinges on the dynamic interplay between order and irregularity. Observe the incised vertical lines, their regimented arrangement creating a structured rhythm around the cup's perimeter. The gradated coloring suggests materiality transformed by heat. Editor: Transformed? Curator: Note the dark rim which suggest reduction firing. This technique influences the final color and texture. Do you notice how these regular elements are contrasted with the gentle, almost organic undulation of the rim? This asymmetry infuses the object with a sense of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that embraces imperfection. Editor: Yes, I see how that tension is what makes it interesting. So, the contrast enhances both aspects. Curator: Precisely. The interplay isn't just visual; it extends to the tactile. The smooth glaze invites touch. The foot ring is high, elevating the bowl for ritual. Its elegant shape embodies the perfect vessel. Editor: So it's the merging of perfect geometric forms with that sense of imperfection that really defines its beauty. Curator: Indeed. It prompts reflection on how we find beauty in simple forms, and subtle deviations in the medium's geometric pattern. Editor: This gives me a deeper appreciation for how a drinking vessel can be much more than just functional, and can elevate simple actions. Curator: A useful consideration in our own work.