Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | KUROMAKI GOLD & SILVER CRANES | 黒蒔金銀鶴 | NISHIKAWA

£108.00

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An exceptional Kiyomizu ware sake cup from Kyoto, pairing a deep black ground with finely worked gold and silver cranes — a refined expression of Japanese symbolism, craftsmanship and the art of sake.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | KUROMAKI GOLD & SILVER CRANES | 黒蒔金銀鶴 | NISHIKAWA

£108.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Cup Pair - 2 cups Pair - Black + Red

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🇯🇵 All products made in Japan

Two cranes in gold and silver sweep across a deep black ground, turning a small sake cup into an expression of Kyoto craftsmanship.

Handcrafted as Kiyomizu ware in Kyoto, Kuromaki Kingin Tsuru brings together an elegant traditional form, precious metallic detailing and one of Japan’s most enduring auspicious motifs.

Description

Small in scale yet remarkably rich in detail, Kuromaki Kingin Tsuru (黒蒔金銀鶴) is a handcrafted Kiyomizu ware sake cup that reveals its character slowly as it is turned in the hand.

Against the deep, lustrous black exterior, two cranes appear in contrasting gold and silver. Their elongated wings stretch around the curved surface of the cup, surrounded by stylised cloud motifs picked out in warm gold, silver and copper-like tones. Fine lines articulate individual feathers across the birds, giving the decoration a distinctly hand-worked quality when viewed closely.

The contrast is particularly striking. The dark exterior gives the metallic decoration depth and brilliance, while the softly glazed pale interior creates a quieter surface from which to appreciate the colour and clarity of the sake.

The crane — tsuru (鶴) in Japanese — has long been regarded as an auspicious motif in Japanese visual culture, associated with longevity and good fortune. Here, the paired gold and silver cranes give this traditional symbolism an especially refined presence.

The cup itself is made as Kiyomizu ware in Kyoto, part of Kyoto’s celebrated ceramic tradition. Rather than striving for mechanical uniformity, each piece carries the subtle variations inherent in handmade ceramics — small differences in colour, decoration and form that belong to the character of the work.

At just 100 ml, it remains an intimate object: made to sit naturally in the hand, to be turned and examined, and ultimately to be used.

A piece of Kyoto craftsmanship that moves effortlessly between functional sake ware and a small object of art.

Celebrate one of Japan’s most cherished symbols with the Kuromaki Kingin Tsuru Guinomi, an elegant porcelain sake cup made in Japan. Finished in a deep black ground, the cup is decorated with graceful gold and silver cranes, creating a striking contrast with a refined and timeless character.

A Guinomi is a traditional Japanese sake cup, appreciated not only for enjoying sake but also for the way its shape, size and material contribute to the drinking experience. Collecting different guinomi has long been part of Japanese sake culture, with each design bringing its own story and character to the table.

In Japanese culture, the crane (Tsuru / 鶴) is an auspicious symbol associated with longevity, good fortune and happiness. Set against the dark background, the shimmering gold and silver crane motifs stand out beautifully, giving this piece an elegant and sophisticated presence.

Traditionally used for sake, this versatile cup can also be enjoyed with sencha, gyokuro and other Japanese teas, or displayed as a decorative piece of Japanese ceramic craftsmanship.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Details

Brand: Nishikawa
Original Name: 黒蒔金銀鶴
Romanised Name: Kuromaki Kingin Tsuru
Product: Sake Cup / Guinomi
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Design: Gold & Silver Cranes with stylised cloud motifs
Colour: Deep Black / Gold / Silver
Dimensions: Approx. Ø65 × H50 mm
Capacity: Approx. 100 ml
Weight: Approx. 60 g
Maker: Kōhō Kiln (光抱窯)*
Made in Japan
Handcrafted: Slight variations in colour, 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.