Sake cup (guinomi) c. late 20th century

This small, subtly decorated sake cup (guinomi) is a fine example of the work of Eiraku Zengorō XVI, a noted Japanese potter from the 20th century. Made of ceramic, the cup has a simple, rounded form with a dark brown rim and a delicate design of stylized plants in black on a light gray background. This charming cup, now in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, would have been used for serving and enjoying sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, in a social setting.