Japanese Shigaraki Ceramic Cup
Meet the Japanese Ceramic Cup, handcrafted by Norikazu Ogawa that embodies the quiet refinement of contemporary Shigaraki ware. The softly brushed glaze layers earthy charcoal tones over a warm ivory surface, creating subtle variations that emerge through use and light. Delicate horizontal markings emphasize the vessel’s hand-thrown form, while the gently flared rim offers a comfortable drinking experience.
Balancing rustic texture with modern simplicity, the cup reflects Ogawa’s signature approach to functional ceramics — understated, tactile, and deeply connected to everyday ritual. Ideal for tea, sake, or daily use, each piece carries slight variations that celebrate the individuality of the handmade process.
Dimensions: φ 3.5" x H 2.75"
Glazed ceramic. Lead-free. Food-safe.
The clay is highly porous and contains fine stones, giving each piece a soft, natural texture and strong absorbency. Over time, tea stains and use gradually deepen the character of the vessel, allowing the user to enjoy the evolving beauty and patina unique to handmade ceramics. Users are advised to wash and dry pieces thoroughly after use to prevent mold or odors, and to avoid dragging the unglazed foot across furniture surfaces, as it may cause scratches.
Hand-crafted in Japan.
About Norikazu Ogawa:
Norikazu Ogawa is a Japanese ceramic artist from Shigaraki, one of Japan’s most celebrated pottery regions. Working alongside his father, Kenzo Ogawa, and inspired by his grandfather Seihō’s revival of traditional tea ceramics, Ogawa creates functional vessels that emphasize the close relationship between food and tableware — reflecting the philosophy that “tableware is the clothing of cuisine.”
Born in Shigaraki in 1965, Ogawa studied ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute and later specialized in small ceramic forms at the Shigaraki Ceramic Research Institute. In 1993, he joined the Ogawa Kenzo Kiln after becoming independent alongside his father. His work has received notable recognition, including the 22nd Miho Museum Foundation Award in 2011, and in 2013 he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Shigaraki ware.
