Sangiri and Goma Beer Cup Pair
This is a pair of Bizen ware beer cups with patterns called “sangiri” and “goma.” The coarse texture, exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln’s flames is a remarkable example of Bizen ware, “the art of clay and fire.”
The “san” in sangiri refers to the wall inside the kiln. The work placed on the side of the wall where ash tends to accumulate is covered with ash from the pine wood, and the part of the work not directly exposed to the fire reacts with the ash, turning it grayish brown or blackish brown. Also during the process, the ash sometimes creates a pattern resembling “goma (sesame),” on the surface. Each firing results in a different pattern, making each piece a unique work of art.
