Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | KINSAI NEJIRIKOMON 金彩捻小紋 | NISHIKAWA

£297.00

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A virtuoso display of Kyoto decoration, Kinsai Nejirikomon transforms a small sake cup into a richly layered tapestry of traditional Japanese patterns, precision linework and brilliant gold.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | KINSAI NEJIRIKOMON 金彩捻小紋 | NISHIKAWA

£297.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Pair - 2 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

A showcase of pattern, precision and gold.

Kinsai Nejirikomon covers almost the entire surface of this handcrafted Kiyomizu ware cup with an extraordinary patchwork of traditional Japanese patterns, each intricately defined and brought together with brilliant gold decoration.

Description

At first glance, Kinsai Nejirikomon (金彩捻小紋) is simply dazzling.

Look closer, however, and the surface begins to break apart into an extraordinary collection of individual patterns.

Rather than centring the composition around a single flower, animal or landscape, the entire vessel becomes a canvas for komon (小紋) — small, repeating decorative patterns deeply embedded in Japanese visual culture.

Fine geometric fields are arranged diagonally around the cup, separated and structured by bold lines of gold. As the vessel is turned in the hand, one pattern gives way to another: interlocking hexagonal forms, diamond grids, fine geometric stars, rhythmic wave-like lines, radiating fan forms and scrolling arabesques.

Some are rendered in rich vermilion and gold; others introduce deep black, indigo, pale blue, turquoise and softer earth tones. Along the lower edge, an intricate dark band of curling motifs anchors the composition, preventing the abundance above from becoming visually uncontrolled.

The name itself describes the design.

Kinsai (金彩) refers to the use of gold in ceramic decoration, while komon (小紋) refers to finely repeated patterns. Nejiri (捻り) conveys the twisting or turning arrangement of the composition — here expressed through diagonal sections that appear to rotate around the cylindrical form.

The result is almost encyclopaedic: a small vessel carrying a remarkable vocabulary of Japanese pattern.

What makes the piece particularly impressive is not simply the quantity of decoration, but the precision required to keep so many patterns distinct. Fine gold lines remain controlled even at extremely small scale, while changes in colour, geometry and density allow every section to retain its own identity.

Yet when viewed from a distance, all of this complexity resolves into a remarkably coherent whole.

Handcrafted as Kyo / Kiyomizu ware in Kyoto, Kinsai Nejirikomon represents the exuberant, highly decorative side of the tradition — craftsmanship not concealed, but deliberately placed at the centre of the experience.

A sake cup that rewards looking closer, and then closer again.

Summary

An exceptional Kiyomizu ware sake cup covered in an intricate tapestry of traditional Japanese patterns, where meticulous gold decoration and complex geometry showcase the extraordinary precision of Kyoto ceramic craftsmanship.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Original Name: 金彩捻小紋
Romanised Name: Kinsai Nejirikomon
Product: Sake Cup / Guinomi
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Decoration: Kinsai gold decoration with multiple traditional Japanese geometric patterns
Design: Nejiri-style diagonal composition of repeating komon motifs
Colours: Gold / Vermilion / Black / Indigo / Blue / Turquoise
Dimensions: Approx. Ø60 × H50 mm
Capacity: Approx. 90 ml
Weight: Approx. 80 g
Product Code: T09101
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.