Cup (mug)

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This piece is filled with traditional techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation for over 1000 years. Since the color and surface of the pottery changes with firing, no two pieces are ever the same, making them unique to you and only you.
With its round and cute impression, it can be used for various occasions, such as daily use or when you have guests over.
It will become your favorite mug. Please enjoy the unique color of Bizen ware!

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1200 years ago / 800AD / Heian period in Japan

Bizen Pottery is a ceramic ware made in Okayama Prefecture. It is widely believed that Bizen Pottery was first made in the Heian Period (794AD), when people made bowls and roof tiles for daily use. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1500AD), Bizen ware is said to have been loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who practically ruled the country at that time, and Sen no Rikyu, who mastered the art of tea ceremony.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Toshiaki Mori / Hozangama
The fan-shaped ceramic seal on the bottom of ceramics used in the kiln today is said to have been in use since the Muromachi period (AD 1500). The kiln has been making high-quality ceramics including tea ware, sake cup and so on since 500 years ago.

Craftsman Passion

"Bringing the delicate and simple beauty of Japanese modelling to the other side of the ocean"
In addition to his activities in Japan, he has been actively exhibiting his work outside of Japan and has been active in the United States, England, and other parts of the world. His craftsmanship, which utilizes earth colors, has a quality that convinces everyone who uses it and makes them aficionados.

Achievement

Commemorative items for the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Ecuador were produced and presented to the governments of both countries.
Selected multiple times for the Japan Traditional Crafts China Branch Exhibition.
He has received many other awards for their work.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Kintsugi Insurance Service：Eternal Product Life

What is Kintsugi: Explanation and PICTURE

Kintsugi is one of the traditional skills in Japan repairing broken ceramics or glass. Broken part will be mended with lacquer and the product will get more beautiful look with covering gold/silver on the area of breakage.

Cost for Kintsugi Insurance

Measurement

Width：8cm
Height：8.5cm
Depth：8cm
Weight：221g

Material & Caution

Materials

Clay

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Manufacturing Process

We have not uploaded this craftsman’s video yet, please discover another craftsman’s video from below link.

YouTube