Arita Ware “Kirameki” Coffee Cup & Saucer by Kusuo Baba

A one-of-a-kind coffee cup and saucer titled “Kirameki” (Radiance), created by Kusuo Baba of the renowned Shinemon Kiln in Arita.

The piece is finished with a luminous glaze in warm tea-golden tones, capturing a soft brilliance reminiscent of sunlight. The surface reveals delicate variations in colour, depth, and texture, creating a shimmering effect that changes subtly under different light.

Shinemon Kiln is widely known for its mastery of the yohen technique - a process where the glaze transforms unpredictably inside the kiln. During firing, heat, minerals, and atmosphere interact in ways that cannot be fully controlled, allowing nature to play a role in shaping the final result. Because of this, each piece develops its own unique pattern and character.

The Kirameki glaze explores this beautiful unpredictability, producing layered tones and subtle radiance across the surface. It is a piece that continues to reveal new details each time you hold it, turning a simple cup of coffee into a quiet moment of appreciation for the craft itself.

I still remember the moment I first saw this piece in Japan. It caught my eye immediately. To be honest, I hesitated for quite some time because of the price, but I kept finding myself walking back to look at it again and again. There was something about the glow of the glaze that I simply could not forget. In the end, I realised I would regret leaving it behind more than bringing it home. It is one of those rare pieces that feels both elegant and alive, and I am very happy to be able to share it here.

Potter Profile

Kusuo Baba
Second-generation head of Shinemon Kiln

• Member of Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition)
• Councilor of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association
• Vice President of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Association
• Director of the Saga Art Association

Kusuo Baba continues the traditions of Arita ware while creating works that resonate with contemporary sensibilities. His practice focuses on the yohen glazing technique, where careful control of materials and firing allows natural kiln transformations to emerge, producing surfaces that feel both mysterious and expressive.

Product Details

• Quantity: 1 
• Cup size: Length: 10.8cm / Width: 8.5cm / Height: 7.4cm
  
• Saucer size: Width: 15.3cm
• Collection: Arita Ware
• Material: Porcelain
• Origin: Japan 
• Care: Handwash 
  
  

Due to lighting and screen variations, colours may appear slightly different from the photos. We have made every effort to present the piece as true to life as possible.