These Shino ware sake cups from the 1960s are artist signed but the signatures have been obscured by the thick glaze typical of this kind of Japanese ceramics. Developed in the 16th century, Shino is usually identified by its satiny white feldspar glaze, and it is thought that the ware is named after Shino Soshin (1444-1523), a famous tea master who preferred to use pottery of that color. Following a period of decline in the 19th century, Shino ware enjoyed a revival of interest in the 1930s and 1940s and has remained popular with both Japanese and American artists ever since. Our abstractly painted, brightly colored homages to Springtime with hints of gold are applied to the usually squat and cylindrical, thick but lightweight forms which are most often associated with this kind of ware. Condition: Excellent. Dimension: 2.5" diameter X 1.5".