A shallow sake cup fired at the Mino Sue kiln during the Kamakura period. Ash falling onto the vessel inside the kiln melted to form a thick natural glaze across the central well, where it has developed a lustrous blue-green surface. The base retains a spiral thread-cut mark, while throwing rings swirl across the interior. The vessel was most likely thrown originally as a small dish, but the body sagged during firing, acquiring a gentle depth that lends itself perfectly to use as a sake cup.

The Mino Sue group of ancient kiln sites is one of the major kiln complexes in the Tōkai region, extending from the Sue district of Kakamigahara through eastern Gifu City to southern Seki. Sue ware kilns are thought to have been established here in the late sixth to early seventh century. During the Heian period, under the influence of the Sanage kilns, the area produced ash-glazed ceramics before gradually shifting towards the production of yamachawan—unglazed stoneware bowls. The clay here is particularly fine in texture, even when compared with that of Sanage, a quality clearly evident in the surface of this vessel. From an era in which the application of glaze had largely ceased, this is a rare example enveloped in a thick natural glaze bestowed solely by the fire of the kiln.

Although there are areas of glaze deterioration partly, the vessel retains a pleasing overall lustre. Some flaking of the glaze is visible around the rim, but is unlikely to worsen through normal use. A chip to the rim has been repaired with a smoked-silver finish. Due to the distortion of the body, the vessel sits with a slight wobble.