Hirashimizu Ceramic Sake Cup

Handcrafted with exceptional skill in the small pottery town of Hirashimizu, Yamagata Prefecture, this rustic sake cup is made with locally-sourced iron-rich clay that gives a subtle red hue and an earthy texture to its finish. During the firing process, red pine ash is added to the kiln, resulting in a beautiful matt glaze that evokes the natural beauty of the surrounding Mt. Chitose. With a focus on function and craftsmanship, rather than ornate decoration, each cup is lovingly made by skilled craftspeople who have inherited centuries-old techniques. In this sense, the cup can be thought of as a piece of Japanese ceramic heritage.

Size: Ø6.3cm x H4 cm

Tōhoku

Tōhoku consists of six prefectures located in the north-east of Honshu island. This region is known for its hot spring (onsen) resorts, colourful festivals, remote sacred mountains and harsh winters. In 2011, the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region hard; however, the massive efforts in reconstruction are proof of the people’s resilience. Urushi (lacquer) ware, ironware and the crafting of kokeshi dolls make up but a few of the local industries in this lesser-visited region of Japan.