Jun Ajiki (安食潤), Japanese (b. 1982)

A Shioyu Sake Cup (塩釉盃)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

A compact and expressive shioyu (salt-glazed) sake cup by Jun Ajiki, demonstrating the artist's distinctive approach to contemporary Japanese ceramics. Measuring only 6 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height, this intimate vessel combines a robust hand-formed structure with richly textured surfaces shaped by the interaction of clay, flame, ash, and salt during firing.

The cup is formed in a low, irregular shape with a gently undulating rim, encouraging a tactile appreciation of the work. Its surface displays a complex palette of earthy reds, warm ochres, olive greens, and creamy ash tones. Areas of natural crackling, vitrification, and accumulated kiln effects create a landscape-like appearance that changes subtly under different lighting conditions. The heavily worked exterior contrasts with the warm, inviting interior, while the rugged foot and asymmetrical profile embody the spirit of wabi-sabi, celebrating spontaneity, imperfection, and the beauty of natural transformation through fire.

Though modest in scale, the work possesses a remarkable presence and exemplifies the vitality of contemporary Japanese tea and sake ceramics. The rich surface textures and dynamic firing effects reveal the artist's mastery of salt glazing, a demanding process that produces uniquely atmospheric results impossible to replicate.

The sake cup is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), an original cloth, and the artist's profile documentation.

Dimensions

4.3cm(h) x 6.7cm(w) x 6.2cm(d)

Footnote

Jun Ajiki (安食潤, born 1982) is a Japanese ceramic artist from Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, known for his distinctive salt-glazed ceramics and tea wares. After graduating from the Ceramics Course at Kibikogen Gakuen High School in Okayama in 2001, he developed a strong interest in Shino ware. In 2003, he studied under Kumagai Tadao, a respected specialist in ceramic materials in Gifu Prefecture, before returning home in 2004 to continue his training with his father, the potter Ajiki Hiro (安食ひろ).

Ajiki gained national recognition in 2006 when a Shino tea bowl was selected for the prestigious Tabe Museum Award Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art (茶の湯の造形展). He subsequently became a regular participant in the exhibition, earning repeated selections for his salt-glazed tea bowls and guinomi. In 2014, he received the Encouragement Award at the 31st Tabe Museum Award Exhibition. His works have also appeared in Contemporary Tea Bowl Exhibitions and special exhibitions at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi. Since 2013, he has held solo exhibitions at major venues including Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Nagoya Sakae Mitsukoshi, and Fukuoka Mitsukoshi.