Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | KINSAI HANAZUME | GUINOMI SAKE CUP | NISHIKAWA

£297.00

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | KINSAI HANAZUME | GUINOMI SAKE CUP | NISHIKAWA

£297.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Cup 2 cups

📦 Delivered from the UK

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🇯🇵 All products made in Japan

An extraordinary profusion of colour and gold, painted across almost every inch of the surface.

Kinsai Hanazume is an exuberant expression of Kyoto ceramic decoration, where richly coloured flowers, delicate foliage and intricate gold detailing come together in a sake cup of remarkable visual intensity.

Description

Some pieces reveal themselves quietly. Kinsai Hanazume (金彩花詰) does quite the opposite.

Its surface is filled almost completely with flowers.

Rich vermilion, crimson and deep blue blossoms overlap across the porcelain, interspersed with turquoise-green leaves and an intricate pale ground. Fine gold decoration runs throughout the composition — tracing petals, defining stamens, outlining leaves and weaving delicate scrolling patterns into the spaces between the flowers.

The closer the cup is viewed, the more elaborate the decoration becomes.

What first appears as a vivid field of colour reveals countless individual lines and details: every flower is carefully articulated, each colour held within a precisely composed pattern, with gold bringing light and rhythm across the entire surface.

This style of decoration is expressed in its name. Kinsai (金彩) refers to the use of gold in ceramic decoration, while Hanazume (花詰) describes a composition densely filled with flowers. Together, they create a style that is deliberately abundant — not restrained minimalism, but a celebration of colour, ornament and skilled decorative work.

Yet despite its visual richness, the cup remains remarkably pleasant in the hand. Its gently cylindrical form feels substantial without being cumbersome, while the smooth glazed surface contrasts beautifully with the extraordinary density of the decoration.

Inside, the vessel becomes quiet again. A clean, pale glazed interior provides a deliberate visual pause from the richly decorated exterior and allows the colour of sake or tea to remain clearly visible.

Handcrafted as Kyo / Kiyomizu ware in Kyoto, Kinsai Hanazume represents another side of Japanese aesthetics: one that is intricate, colourful and unapologetically decorative.

A small vessel with the presence of a much larger work of art.

A spectacular Kiyomizu ware sake cup where densely composed flowers and intricate gold decoration transform a small everyday vessel into an exceptional showcase of Kyoto's richly decorative ceramic tradition.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Original Name: 金彩花詰
Romanised Name: Kinsai Hanazume
Product: Sake Cup / Guinomi
Alternative Use: Sencha Teacup
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Decoration: Kinsai gold decoration with densely composed floral motifs
Colours: Vermilion / Crimson / Blue / Turquoise / Gold
Dimensions: Approx. Ø60 × H50 mm
Capacity: Approx. 90 ml
Weight: Approx. 80 g
Product Code: T0998
Made in Japan
Handcrafted: Individual variations in colour, decoration, dimensions and capacity may occur.
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.