A very unique handled sakazuki with patterns, clay and coloration reminiscent of the pottery of kyushu and associated with shochu/awamori. This was purchased from a vintage goods dealer in Japan and chosen for its very original style. The bottom is signed by the artist, not in kanji, but in romanji (English) although it is difficult to make out. The seller had no additional information.
"Bajohai"-- the style of sakazuki (sake cup)-- is a stemmed cup, and its translation references horses, alluding to the necessity of stemmed cups for cavalary. No fashionable samurai is to be caught without!
This is hand-thrown and hand-painted with a milky, cream colored glaze that drips a bit more thickly around the rim, allowing for a softer touch of the lip.
Dimensions are 8cm wide, 8.5cm tall.