Important notice about shipping:

This item will be shipped at free of charge via Japan Post (AIR Packet: 5~14 days). The package has the tracking capability and will be placed into your mail box or at your entrance. No signature is required. If you would prefer the Expedited Shipping via FedEx (FICP: 3~6 days) or Japan Post (EMS: 4~9 days), please message me. I will let you know the additional cost.

Notice to buyers in the USA: The shipping charge appeared on this listing is solely applicable import fees (e.g. tariff, customs clearance handling charge). You won’t pay anything extra after checkout.

For buyers in other countries: Import duties, taxes and any other charges that may occur in your country are not included in the item price or shipping charge.

Should you have any question, please message me. 

Description: 

This is a Bizen-ware(*) Sake Cup. It was made to enjoy Japanese Sake.  

* Bizen-ware is a stoneware, which is made of a special clay (available only in Bizen area) and baked at very high temperature (1,200~1,300 degrees Celsius). It does not use or apply any glaze before baking. The glaze naturally develops in the kiln from ash of tree and elements contained in the clay. Thus, it looks very natural and primitive. Stoneware is still produced in Japan, because it is loved by the people who practice tea ceremony.

This sake cup was made by an pottery artist Mr. Christopher Ravenhall in Bizen. According to his resume (photo #11) , who was born in U.K. in 1968. 
When he came to Japan, he was fascinated by Bizen-ware and decided to become a pottery artist. In 1989, he move to Bizen and became a disciple of a very reputable artist TAKU Mamoru to learn Bizen-ware. In 1999, Chris built his own kiln. 

The cup has an unique shape, which is sometime called KUTSU-GATA in Japanese meaning "Shoe-Shape". It idea came from Japanese tea ceremony. The same shaped tea bowl is appreciated in tea ceremony. 
Or, the artist might just thought to make the cup which fit to people's hand. In fact, it fit to people's hand so well. 

This sake cup has very interesting shape. In fact, it looks so different by how you look it, i.e., from what angle. Hope you enjoy it.  

It is not used in excellent condition. The box is original and signed by the artist.  

Approximate Size & Weight: Height: 4.5 cm / 1.8 in   Diameter:  6.8 x 7.6 cm / 2.7 x 3.0 in   Weight:   90 gr  /  3.2 oz

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Shipping: We ship to the following areas and countries.

America: United States, Canada, Mexico

Europe / Middle East: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Asia / Oceania: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

Combined shipping:
If you would like, we can combine shipping under certain conditions, e.g., your purchases within a week. If you want a combined shipping, please contact us. We will accept your request as much as possible.  

Important notice to international buyers: 
- Import duties, taxes and any other charges that may occur in your country are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These are buyer's responsibility.
- We can not mark the item as gift or put its merchandise value lower than your purchased price.   

Payment: Any payment accepted by eBay