Dimensions: 16 × 16 × 18 cm
Artist: Sugita Shohei (Japan, b. August 30, 1942)

Born in Kyoto, Sugita Shohei entered Kyoto University of Arts Junior College in 1960 and in 1962 joined the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute. Soon after, he exhibited works under the Niseikai of the Traditional Artists’ Association at major department stores including Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, and Daimaru.

In 1965, Sugita became a disciple of the renowned 14th-generation Raku master Kakunyū. For twelve years, until his teacher’s passing, he studied under Kakunyū’s direct guidance and was granted entry to the Urasenke school of tea. Through the recommendation of Raku Kichizaemon XIV, he received a special round seal from the former Urasenke grand master Sen Genshitsu.

Since 1977, Sugita has served as a close disciple of Urasenke’s Kanazawa Sōya, accompanying him to lectures, workshops, and tea gatherings, and has been deeply dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of Japanese tea ceremony culture.