Large Japanese stoneware water cup made by hand using traditional processes

These 'Earth + Water' drinking cups bring a tactile experience to the simple pleasure of drinking water; it connects somewhere deeper.

Elegant thin walled, hand thrown and fired ceramic produced in a limited edition of only 15.

Dimensions: large drinking cup sized at 8 x 12 cm.

This range created by artist Alexander James Hamilton is inspired by the Japanese word 'shokunin' and is defined by both Japanese and Japanese-English dictionaries as ‘craftsman’ or ‘artisan,’ but this literal description does not fully express its far deeper meaning. The Japanese apprentice is taught that shokunin means not only having technical skills, but also implies an attitude and social consciousness. The shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, the shokunin’s responsibility is to fulfil the requirement.

On one of my first trips to japan over 20 years ago I met one such apprentice who started making a simple clay cup design when he was just 15; when I met him he was 82 and still making the same beautifully refined drinking cups he had started producing all those years ago. They were elegant, functional & highly prized within the community.

Water is a life force. How we imbibe it should be given that respect; If we can have a tactile experience, the simple pleasure of drinking water connects somewhere deeper.

All packaging for Studio Anna Hamilton is made from 100% recycled & unbleached Kraft™ paper with no visible branding. This simple and elegant design allows the delivery packaging to be perfectly re-usable as an ideal storage solution for your home. Delivery packaging may differ slightly depending on availability.