Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP - KAIHA (海波) | NISHIKAWA

£108.00

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A bold yet approachable piece of Kiyomizu ware, combining expressive hand-painted waves with one of the most instantly recognisable motifs in Japanese visual culture.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP - KAIHA (海波) | NISHIKAWA

£108.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Cup Pair - 2 cups Pair - Ukiyo-e pair

📦 Delivered from the UK

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🇯🇵 All products made in Japan

A bold expression of one of Japan’s most recognisable natural motifs.

Deep cobalt waves rise across the white porcelain, capturing the movement and energy of the sea in a distinctly Japanese composition.

Description

Kaiha (海波) takes the movement of the sea and reduces it to a bold, rhythmic composition of blue, white and black.

Sweeping waves rise around the cup in layers of deep cobalt and softer blue, outlined with expressive dark lines and broken by white foam. Rather than pursuing the extraordinary decorative density of pieces such as Kinsai Hanazume or Kinsai Nejirikomon, this design relies on strong shapes, fluid brushwork and contrast.

Viewed from different sides, the scene changes. On one side, tall waves surge upwards; on another, the composition becomes quieter, with smaller waves appearing beneath a pale blue sky.

The hand-painted character is particularly visible at close range. Variations in the blue pigment, irregular outlines and subtle differences between individual cups give the waves a sense of movement that a perfectly repeated pattern would lose.

It is a comparatively simple piece within this collection — but also an immediately recognisable expression of Japanese ceramic design.

Summary

Bold and expressive, Kaiha captures the movement of the Japanese sea through flowing hand-painted waves, rich cobalt tones and the individual character of Kiyomizu ware.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: NISHIKAWA
Original Name: 海波
Romanised Name: Kaiha
Product: Sake Cup
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Kiln: Kōhō Kiln (光抱窯)
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Motif: Japanese Waves / Sea
Colours: Cobalt Blue, Pale Blue, White & Black
Decoration: Hand-painted
Made in Japan
Handcrafted: Individual variations in colour, brushwork and pattern placement are natural characteristics 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.

What does Kaiha (海波) mean?

Kaiha combines the Japanese characters for sea (海) and wave (波), referring to the ocean-wave motif featured on this sake cup.
Waves are a recurring motif in Japanese art and design, often expressing the power, movement and continuity of nature. Their flowing forms have appeared across ceramics, textiles, prints and other traditional crafts.