Sake cup (guinomi) c. early 21th century

Takiguchi Kiheiji made this sake cup, or guinomi, out of stoneware. It's a dance between control and chance. I’m drawn to the way the glaze seems to have bubbled and cracked, creating a map of tiny imperfections across the surface. The brown markings, like little bursts of energy, feel so spontaneous against the cup’s creamy, mottled surface. Imagine holding this cup, feeling the subtle texture under your fingertips. You can almost feel the potter’s hand at work, shaping the clay with a sure touch, but then letting the fire work its own magic. I see something of Lucie Rie in the way that Kiheiji celebrates the unexpected, and the uncontrolled. This piece really embraces the beauty of imperfection. It's about living with uncertainty.