MIRAKUGAMA
Riyoushi cup
Description
RIYOUSHI 猟師
Meaning “hunter,” the lowest ridge and the daintiest cup. Triangular in shape with a smooth exterior that suggests a distant view of the ridgeline, dark blue edges to gray-green clouding over rich reddy brown. Suitable for gyokuro.
Capacity: 60 ml / 2.02oz
Limited edition: only 50 cups available
About the Kujū Renzan Cup Collection
Home to some of Japan’s most famous mountains and a mix of steaming volcanic peaks and wildflower-studded ridges, the Kujū Renzan’s earthly mountain beauty is captured in six unique cups.
Specially made for IKKYU by Mirakugama, these teacups are a marriage of the ancient sprawl of Kyushus’ famous mountain range and the 16-generations of Takatori potters.
Born at the base of mount Takatori in the early 1600s, Takatori ware uses the unusual soil of Kyushu to produce paper-thin stoneware coveted for tea ceremony. The Kamei family at Mirakugama has used the same clay for generations. They refer to their clay as 門外不出 , mongaifushutsu, a treasured item kept behind closed doors.
The natural variation and ash glaze used by Mirakugama capture a natural essence that is both warm and elegant. We present six small mountain vistas that encompass the mellow-rich layers of earth, billowing clouds of hazy smoke, and raw autumn slopes that make up “the roof of Kyushu.”
Artist Information
The current master artisan of Miraku kiln, Miraku Kamei XV is the product of four hundred years of practice and study. His artistic path has strayed from the forms perfected by his father, as he believes challenging himself is important for the continuation of the art.
His approach fuses innovation and tradition. He carefully studied past masters, such as Oribe and Enshu, and in attempts to recreate modern-day versions of these classic forms, this work has evolved into his own style. Unique combinations of traditional glazes, as well as embracing open-work techniques and application of raised designs takes Miraku XV’s work from the familiar to the sublime and back.
