Bizen-yaki sake set by the late Akebono Ukita. This is a set of a beautifully rounded tokkuri (sake bottle) and guinomi (sake cups). Both the tokkuri and ochoko (sake cups) have the artist's kiln mark. ○ Akebono Ukita ○ Born in Bizen City in 1940. Studied under the Bizen-yaki artist, Tosen Matsui. Became independent in 1973, building his own kiln. Received numerous awards at prefectural exhibitions and other events. ○ Bizen-yaki ○ Known as the "art of earth and fire," Bizen-yaki is a stoneware (sekki) produced in and around Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the six ancient kilns of Japan (Nihon Rokkoyo) and is considered a pottery that has been produced since ancient times. The history of Bizen-yaki dates back to the Heian period. The manufacturing method of Sueki, which was made in the Kofun period, gradually developed, and in the Heian period, bowls, plates, and tiles were produced as daily necessities for the common people. Bizen-yaki is made by shaping high-quality clay one piece at a time, drying it, and then firing it at a high temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius or higher for about two weeks without using any glaze. Because no glaze is used, the resulting pottery has a deep, textured feel that allows you to appreciate the earthiness of the clay. In addition, because it is fired at high temperatures, it is highly durable and resistant to cracking, has good heat retention properties (it doesn't heat up or cool down easily), and has fine pores inside. It has the advantage of making sake, wine, and whiskey mellow and rich in flavor, making it a pottery that sake lovers should definitely use. Artist: Akebono Ukita Type/Origin: Bizen-yaki, Bizen, Okayama Prefecture Contents: Tokkuri (with kiln mark) x 1 Ochoko (with kiln mark) x 2 Wooden box Instruction manual Size: Tokkuri: (Maximum diameter) approx. 9.5cm x (Height) approx. 13.5cm Ochoko: (Maximum diameter) approx. 5.6cm x (Height) approx. 4.5cm Wooden box: (Width) approx. 19.3cm x (Depth) approx. 16.8cm x (Height) approx. 11.2cm Although unused, the wooden box has some minor stains. Returns are not accepted, so please understand before purchasing. ○ Shipping Method ○ Hikyaku Takkyubin (Sagawa Express: prepaid)