Dimensions:

3"Dia. x 4"H 

Capacity:

9 oz

Place of Origin:

Made in Japan

Bizen-yaki:

Bizen is named after the village of Imbe, Bizen in Okayama prefecture. It has a history of more than 1,000 years, which makes it one of the oldest pottery making techniques in Japan. It is made using either a mixture of two kinds of clays with different densities, or rough clay that has a rich deep reddish brown color because of its high iron content.

Pottery pieces are placed in a climbed kiln and pine boughs are used as fuel. Pine wood contains resin, which creates high temperature. Climb kilns are set up on hillside terrace in a step-like manner. The placement of pottery inside a kiln changes the conditions in which it is fired, resulting in various different outcomes.  In fact, nobody can predict how each piece of pottery will turn out.

Note from Julia:

This is an elegant way to serve and share Japanese saké or shochu over dinner or otsumami (little bar snacks). The frosted finish feels soft to the touch and the dimples provide a nice grip. It is customary to pour for each other in Japan, and this vessel is perfect for smaller tables where there isn’t room for tall bottles.