Stoneware cup / Tokonamé Shimizu Genji Yakishimé

Brown stoneware cup made in Tokonamé-Aichi Prefecture by master craftsman Shimizu Genji (1945-) in the Hokujo kiln. Tokonamé specializes in the art of ceramics and is particularly known for its terracotta teapot. Tokonamé is the oldest and most important of the six ancient pottery centers of Japan 2 with Shigaraki, Bizen, Tanba, Echizen and Seto. Ceramics have been produced there since the end of the Heian period (11th century), and traces of these productions can be found in Kamakura or on the northern coast of Honshū. The Hokujo kiln is located in the town of Tokonamé. The current Hokujo kiln is run by master craftsman Shimizu Genji.