Iron Black Shinogi Mug

£49

Beautiful tableware from the famous Japanese pottery town of Mashiko. Mashiko was once home to Shōji Hamada, celebrated ceramicist and founding member of the Mingei (folk craft) Movement, who through Bernard Leach shaped modern-day studio pottery in Japan and the UK.

This piece was handcrafted by Junichi Mashiko, a highly regarded contemporary ceramicist who today works in this respected pottery enclave. It’s true to Mashiko’s Mingei origins: warm, solid, deceptively modest in design and intended for everyday life.

In Junichi’s distinctive style, the shape is reminiscent of European antiques and suited to all types of cuisine.

After throwing on the wheel, he uses the ancient technique of ‘shinogi’, scraping away the surface of the clay to create fine vertical grooves, and when semi-dry applies a powdered iron black glaze.

The result is a piece which glows black, a metallic-like brilliance with the appearance of rust or burnished copper dripping from the rim. It’s incredibly tactile, with a slight roughness to the touch. Very much an expression of the earth.

It’s rare to find such a fine example of Mashiko pottery outside of Japan, drawing upon its long and distinguished history.

Measures approx. 9cm tall.

For longevity we recommend washing by hand and drying after use. Please do not use in the microwave or dishwasher.

Japanese pottery such as this usually has tiny crevices on the surface, which absorb liquid. It’s part of the aesthetic and it’s usual to enjoy the piece changing as it ages, wabi-sabi of sorts. But if you prefer, use the 'medome' technique- presoaking in hot rice water before the first use- to prevent colour changes.

As each piece is individually handmade there may be tiny variations from the image shown.

Gift wrapped in tissue paper