Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE & TEA CUP | KINSAI SHOCHIKUBAI | 金彩松竹梅 | NISHIKAWA

£108.00

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Quietly exceptional, Kinsai Shochikubai brings together auspicious Japanese symbolism, restrained gold decoration and a finely tactile finish in a beautifully balanced expression of Kyoto craftsmanship.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE & TEA CUP | KINSAI SHOCHIKUBAI | 金彩松竹梅 | NISHIKAWA

£108.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Cup 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

Quiet in character, rich in meaning.

Decorated with pine, bamboo and plum blossom — the traditional Japanese Shochikubai — this handcrafted Kiyomizu ware cup pairs auspicious symbolism with delicate gold detailing and a beautifully soft, understated finish.

Description

Not every piece of Japanese craftsmanship needs to announce itself.

Kinsai Shochikubai (金彩松竹梅) is a quieter expression of Kiyomizu ware, bringing together three of Japan’s most familiar auspicious motifs — pine, bamboo and plum blossom — in a composition that feels balanced, restrained and remarkably calm.

Known collectively as Shochikubai (松竹梅), the three plants have long appeared together in Japanese decorative culture as auspicious imagery. Pine remains evergreen through winter, bamboo is admired for its resilient growth, and plum is among the first blossoms to emerge as winter gives way to spring. Together, they evoke endurance, vitality and renewal.

Here, the symbolism is expressed without visual excess.

Deep green pine needles stretch across softly modelled branches, while red and white plum blossoms introduce small points of colour against the warm ivory ground. Bamboo appears as the composition continues around the vessel, allowing the complete Shochikubai landscape to reveal itself gradually as the cup is turned in the hand.

Fine kinsai gold decoration traces needles, branches, flowers and smaller details throughout the design. Rather than dominating the surface, the gold is used with restraint — catching the light only as the vessel moves and giving definition to the painted forms.

The tactile quality is equally important.

Unlike the highly polished surface of Kinsai Hanazume, this cup has a softer, more subdued character in the hand. Its finely finished surface feels smooth and carefully resolved rather than coarse, while its 80-gram weight gives the small vessel a reassuring sense of substance.

The result is a piece that feels composed rather than ornamental: colourful without being loud, precious without appearing ostentatious.

Designed for both sake and sencha, it is a vessel that can become part of a quiet everyday ritual.

A particularly serene expression of Kyoto craftsmanship.

Summary

A quietly refined Kiyomizu ware cup combining the auspicious Japanese Shochikubai motif with restrained gold detailing and a soft, tactile finish — made for moments of sake, tea and contemplation.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Original Name: 金彩松竹梅
Romanised Name: Kinsai Shochikubai
Product: Sake Cup / Sencha Teacup
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Motif: Shochikubai – Pine, Bamboo & Plum Blossom
Decoration: Kinsai gold detailing with coloured overglaze decoration
Surface Character: Soft, finely finished matte-like exterior
Dimensions: Approx. Ø60 × H47 mm
Capacity: Approx. 90 ml
Weight: Approx. 80 g
Product Code: K09130
Made in Japan
Handcrafted: Subtle variations in colour, decoration, dimensions and capacity may occur between individual pieces.
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 the Tsuru (Crane) symbolise in Japan?

TheTsuru (鶴), or Japanese crane, is a traditional symbol oflongevity, good fortune and happiness. Because cranes are also associated with enduring bonds, they frequently appear in Japanese celebrations, wedding decorations and auspicious designs.