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Shinemon Inc.

Silk Road Cup

Silk Road Cup

$89.00 USD
$89.00 USD
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Glazed with a mesmerizing palette of crimson, gold, and smoky charcoal, the Silk Road Cup by Shinemon Inc. evokes the colors and textures of ancient trade routes and distant horizons. The pattern flows along the rim like a painted landscape—richly layered, unpredictable, and full of motion—capturing the studio's bold embrace of kiln transformation and fire-induced expression.

The refined white porcelain base creates a crisp contrast that elevates the dramatic glaze, while the interior is gently tinted in celadon, adding a cool balance to the cup’s vibrant exterior. Its flared silhouette offers a comfortable grip and graceful presence, making it a versatile piece for both hot and cold beverages.

Each cup reflects the kiln’s active hand in the final outcome, embracing the spirit of experimentation and chance that defines Shinemon Inc.’s modern Arita ware. It’s a testament to ceramic artistry that connects tradition with artistic risk—an invitation to journey, sip by sip.

Detail

Size: W 3.5in x L 3.5in x H 4.1in / W 8.8cm x L 8.8cm x H 10.4cm
Material: Porcelain

As each piece is handcrafted, slight variations in size and glaze pattern may occur.

Care ＆ Use

  • Handwash only
  • Keep it dry
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes
  • Avoid metal scrubs or abrasive detergents
  • Store safely
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Arita Ware: Porcelain and the Beauty of Unpredictable Flame

Arita ware is widely known as the origin of porcelain in Japan, born in the early 17th century in what is now Saga Prefecture. When potters discovered white porcelain stone in the local hills, it marked a turning point in Japanese ceramics—ushering in a tradition defined by clarity, form, and decorative brilliance. These early wares, first painted in cobalt blue and later enriched with overglaze enamels, quickly found their way from local tables to global markets.

Among Arita’s many expressions, one technique sets itself apart: yohen, or “kiln transformation.” Unlike controlled painting or carving, yohen emerges through the alchemy of flame, clay, and glaze. As pieces are fired, unexpected variations in color and texture bloom across their surfaces. Some crackle, some shimmer, some deepen into iridescent hues. These effects cannot be fully planned or repeated—each piece becomes a one-of-a-kind record of fire and time. For collectors and potters alike, yohen offers the thrill of surprise and the quiet confidence of natural beauty.

Brand History

Shinemon Inc. was founded in 1972 by Shinichiro Baba, a ceramic artist, who sought to redefine the boundaries of Arita ware. At a time when most kilns focused on refined, painted porcelain, Shinemon pursued scale, depth, and raw expression—producing large vessels and tableware shaped as much by the flame as by the hand.

Over the decades, the kiln became known for its mastery of yohen effects. Rather than seeking perfection through control, the kiln embraces imperfection as an essential part of beauty. The kiln atmosphere is used as a collaborator, not just a tool—resulting in glazes that ripple, fade, and flare with subtle unpredictability.

Now led by the second generation, the kiln continues to balance tradition with bold experimentation. Their pieces—tumblers, coffee cups, serving bowls, sculptural vessels—are made not for ornament but for experience. Each one carries the mark of the kiln, the hand, and the moment. It is Arita ware with soul: elemental, expressive, and deeply individual.