Takeharu Kobayashi (小林武春), Japanese (b. 1943)

An Akebono Shino Guinomi Sake Cup (曙志野ぐい呑)

Showa Era (1926-1989), Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

A charming Akebono Shino guinomi (sake cup) crafted by Takeharu Kobayashi, a skilled Mino ware ceramicist celebrated for his faithful interpretations of Shino-yaki. This vessel captures the subtle brilliance of Akebono Shino with its soft, creamy glaze interspersed with pale reddish blushes and characteristic pinholes—hallmarks of Shino ware.
The cup’s organic form is modest yet tactile, with gentle indentations and a slightly flared lip that fits comfortably in the hand. Its kiln markings and natural ash deposits subtly reference the unpredictable beauty of traditional wood-fired techniques.
Presented in its original tomobako (signed wooden box), with matching cloth and artist’s biography leaflet, this guinomi is both a collector's gem and a refined companion for enjoying fine sake.

Dimensions

4.5cm(h) x 6.5cm(d) x 6cm(d)

Footnote

Born in 1943 in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, a historical center of Mino pottery, Takeharu Kobayashi established his kiln, Chikurin-gama, in Hida in 1970. He is celebrated for his expertise in Shino ware and his bold, individualistic style. Alongside traditional Shino and Nezumi Shino, he has developed original variations such as Murasaki Shino (purple), Hisai Shino (scarlet), and Akebono Shino (dawn). Throughhis dedication to form, glaze, and the spirit of Mino ceramics, Kobayashi continues to expand the expressive potential of Shino ware.