Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | GOLD CHERRY GLOWER | KINSAI SAKURA-ZUME 金彩桜詰 | NISHIKAWA

£158.00

Handcrafted Japanese Gold Sakura Guinomi for Sake & Tea

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Exceptional in craftsmanship and Japanese character, this piece transforms a dense field of cherry blossoms into something remarkably restrained — its golden detail revealing itself gradually through light.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | GOLD CHERRY GLOWER | KINSAI SAKURA-ZUME 金彩桜詰 | NISHIKAWA

£158.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Cup Pair - 2 cups Pair - SAKURAZUME Cups

📦 Delivered from the UK

🚚 Free UK delivery over £60 or when you buy any 4 items

🎁 Gift wrapping available

🇯🇵 All products made in Japan

Countless cherry blossoms traced in delicate gold — quiet at first glance, luminous when they meet the light.

Description

Gold Cherry Flower (金彩桜詰) takes one of Japan’s most recognisable motifs and renders it with remarkable restraint.

The exterior is covered almost entirely with overlapping cherry blossoms, creating the dense sakura-zume composition suggested by its name. Yet rather than relying on strong colour, the decoration is drawn through extraordinarily fine golden lines over a soft, pale ground.

The effect is surprisingly subtle.

Viewed under gentle light, the blossoms appear almost like a delicate web across the porcelain. Turn the cup towards a brighter light and the gold begins to catch and reflect, revealing hundreds of petals that were only quietly visible moments before. Its beauty therefore changes with the light rather than announcing itself immediately.

This restrained use of gold gives the piece a very different character from more exuberantly decorated Kinsai works. The craftsmanship is intricate, but the overall impression remains calm, refined and almost ethereal.

Its relationship with Sometsuke Cherry Flower (染付桜詰) is particularly interesting. Both explore the same dense cherry-blossom composition, yet through contrasting decorative traditions: the Sometsuke piece builds its pattern through deep cobalt-blue underglaze decoration and continues the blossoms into the interior, while Gold Cherry Flower concentrates its golden floral field primarily across the exterior, leaving the inside visually quiet.

The base bears the Kōhō (光抱) mark, identifying the piece with Kōhō Kiln. As with other handcrafted Kiyomizu ware, subtle variations in the blossoms, lines and distribution of decoration give each cup an individual character.

A quietly luxurious Kiyomizu ware sake cup, where countless cherry blossoms emerge in delicate gold as the surface catches the light.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Original Name: 金彩桜詰
Romanised Name: Kinsai Sakura-zume
English Name: Gold Cherry Flower
Product: Sake Cup
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Kiln: Kōhō Kiln (光抱窯)
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Technique: Kinsai (金彩) gold decoration
Motif: Sakura / Cherry Blossoms
Pattern: Sakura-zume — densely arranged cherry blossoms
Decoration: Fine gold floral detailing across the exterior
Interior: Plain, creating contrast with the densely decorated exterior
Made in Japan
Handcrafted: Individual variations in the floral lines and decoration are part of the character of each piece
Care: Hand wash only. Not suitable for Microwave, dishwasher, freezer, oven, or direct flame use

Notes
Each piece is handcrafted, with slight variations in form and texture. Subtle glaze variations are a natural characteristic of the making process and add to the unique expression of each piece.

Shipping
Shipped directly from the UK warehouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sake, and where did sake originate?

Sake (日本酒, nihonshu) is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice, water, yeast, and koji mould. Unlike wine, which is made from fermented fruit, or beer, which is brewed from malted grains, sake uses a unique multiple-fermentation process that gives it a smooth, complex flavour.

Sake has been enjoyed in Japan for over 1,000 years and has long been associated with religious ceremonies, seasonal festivals, and celebrations. Originally brewed for Shinto rituals, it gradually became an important part of Japanese dining culture and is now enjoyed around the world.

What does sake taste like?

Sake offers a wide range of flavours depending on its style. It may be:

Light and crisp
Fruity and floral
Rich and umami
Smooth and creamy

Unlike many spirits, sake is generally lower in acidity and tannins, making it easy to pair with a variety of foods.

Most sake containsaround 13–16% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it stronger than beer but usually lighter than whisky or other distilled spirits.

Is sake served hot or cold?

Both. One of the unique qualities of sake is that it can be enjoyed at different temperatures.

Chilled – highlights fresh, fruity, and aromatic styles.
Room temperature – offers a balanced expression of flavour.
Warm or hot – enhances richer, fuller-bodied sake, especially during colder months.

The best serving temperature depends on the style of sake and personal preference.

When is sake traditionally enjoyed?

Sake is enjoyed throughout the year and is often served during:

Family meals
Festivals (Matsuri)
New Year celebrations
Weddings
Cherry blossom viewing (Hanami)
Special occasions and celebrations

Today, many people also enjoy sake casually with everyday meals.

Sake is often poured from a Tokkuri (sake carafe) into small cups such as an Ochoko or Guinomi.

In Japan, it is considered polite to pour sake for others rather than for yourself, making sake drinking a social tradition that celebrates hospitality and friendship.

What's the difference between an Ochoko and a Guinomi?

Both are traditional Japanese sake cups, but they serve slightly different purposes. An ochoko is typically smaller and used for formal sake serving, while a guinomi is slightly larger, allowing you to enjoy sake or other spirits at a more relaxed pace.

Can these cups be used for drinks other than sake?

Absolutely. While traditionally designed for sake, many of our handcrafted ceramic cups are also perfect for Japanese whisky, bourbon, tequila, liqueurs, espresso, and other small servings. Their versatile size makes them suitable for both traditional and modern drinking rituals.

Are all your sake cups handmade in Japan?

Yes. Every sake cup and ceramic barware piece in this collection is handcrafted in Japan by skilled artisans. Each product page clearly states its place of origin, ensuring authentic Japanese craftsmanship.

What should I pair sake with?

Sake pairs beautifully with more than just sushi. It complements:

Sushi and sashimi
Grilled fish and seafood
Tempura
Yakitori
Tofu dishes
Cheese
Charcuterie
Light pasta and vegetable dishes

Its balanced umami character makes sake one of the most food-friendly alcoholic beverages.