Sake cup (guinomi) c. early 21th century

Koie Ryōji made this sake cup, a 'guinomi', and it now sits in Minneapolis. The cup dives right into a world of elemental contrasts. I imagine Koie taking liquid clay and letting it drip down the sides in gestural marks of black against a white ground, then watching as the heat of the kiln makes its unpredictable magic! It’s all about accident and intention, that perfect balance. The cup seems to have emerged through trial, error, and intuition. I can see how Koie's been thinking about the material, the texture, the surface. The little pool of what looks like silver glaze feels like a tiny jewel, or an eye! I feel a deep connection to the artist’s sensibility, the way he allows the material to speak for itself. It's an invitation to engage with the making process, and to consider how each gesture can communicate feeling and intention. This piece really speaks to how artists are in an ongoing dialogue across time, inspiring each other's creativity, and embracing ambiguity.