This is a sake cup handcrafted in Onta village following ancient techniques dating back to the 15th century when Korean potters brought new techniques such as kiln designs and ash-glazing. Onta ware has been designated Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan meaning that potters continue to work according to traditional methods and perpetuate important ancient knowledge and savoir-faire.
Sake, or Nihonshu in Japanese language, took a few hundred years to develop after rice was first cultivated in Japan over 2000 years ago. The earliest form was called kuchikami-zake. The grains of rice would be chewed and spat into a vat. Mixed together with enzymes from the human saliva and natural yeast, it would become alcohol. Today, sake is produced artisanally and industrially across Japan.
This cup sits beautifully on a shelf or cabinet on its own or as a decorative ensemble with other maison tombo curated sake cups. Taken all together, they represent the five basic elements: green for wood symbolising vitality, brown/red for fire symbolising energy, yellow for earth symbolising stability, white for metal symbolising clarity and blue for water symbolising calm. The shape, design and glaze of each cup evoke different moods inviting contemplation.
Ideal for sake, sake cups are also suited for enjoying tea. Each cup is delivered in a beautiful and protective wooden box with hand-brushed calligraphy.
This is a sake cup handcrafted in Onta village following ancient techniques dating back to the 15th century when Korean potters brought new techniques such as kiln designs and ash-glazing. Onta ware has been designated Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan meaning that potters continue to work according to traditional methods and perpetuate important ancient knowledge and savoir-faire.
Sake, or Nihonshu in Japanese language, took a few hundred years to develop after rice was first cultivated in Japan over 2000 years ago. The earliest form was called kuchikami-zake. The grains of rice would be chewed and spat into a vat. Mixed together with enzymes from the human saliva and natural yeast, it would become alcohol. Today, sake is produced artisanally and industrially across Japan.
This cup sits beautifully on a shelf or cabinet on its own or as a decorative ensemble with other maison tombo curated sake cups. Taken all together, they represent the five basic elements: green for wood symbolising vitality, brown/red for fire symbolising energy, yellow for earth symbolising stability, white for metal symbolising clarity and blue for water symbolising calm. The shape, design and glaze of each cup evoke different moods inviting contemplation.
Ideal for sake, sake cups are also suited for enjoying tea. Each cup is delivered in a beautiful and protective wooden box with hand-brushed calligraphy.
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