I am Anagama No.36 Flared Sake Cup. Dark, brilliant, and a little sparkly—I’ve been through fire, but you’d never guess.
This piece is a truly special piece, standing out as a brilliant example of the anagama woodfiring process. Its deep, mesmerizing black surface is enlivened by subtle metallic flecks, creating a sparkle that catches the light in a way that feels almost otherworldly. The history of the sake cup is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture, much like the revered chawan in tea ceremonies. Sake cups are often used in celebratory moments, and this one, with its extraordinary firing marks, is a celebration of craftsmanship itself. What makes this piece even more extraordinary is the element of surprise in its creation. As Keisuke Iwata often recounts, the moment of retrieving a piece from the anagama kiln is full of anticipation—the fire and ash leave their mark in ways no artist can fully predict. This cup, with its perfect blend of elegance and unpredictability, has traveled through that entire process to now sit here on display at our gallery. It’s a magnificent testament to the magic that happens between the kiln and the artist’s hand.
Anagama No.36 - Flared Sake Cup was curated by Angélique Chmielewski
Artist: Keisuke Iwata
Dimensions:
3.3" (w) x 3.1" (l) x 1.8"(h) or 84mm (w) x 79mm (l) x 46mm (h)
Weight:
0.2 lbs or 0.1 kg
Materials:
Ceramic