Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE SERVER | AKA MAKI KINGIN TSURU × MAGEWAPPA, 400ml 赤蒔金銀鶴 X 曲げわっぱ | NISHIKAWA

£360.00

Japanese Magewappa Cedar Sake Server with Red Crane Design

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Rich in Japanese character, this compact sake server combines two distinctive craft traditions — restrained magewappa woodwork and symbolic gold-and-silver crane decoration — in an unusually refined everyday object.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE SERVER | AKA MAKI KINGIN TSURU × MAGEWAPPA, 400ml 赤蒔金銀鶴 X 曲げわっぱ | NISHIKAWA

£360.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

Single Server Server + Red Cup (AKAMAKI GOLD & SILVER CRANES) Server + Black Cup (KUROMAKI GOLD & SILVER CRANES)

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🇯🇵 All products made in Japan

A compact 400ml sake server pairing the natural warmth of Japanese magewappa with a deep red Kiyomizu ware lid decorated with elegant gold and silver cranes.

Description

This compact version of the Aka Maki Kingin Tsuru Magewappa Sake Server brings together two distinctly Japanese craft traditions in a restrained, upright form.

The tall cylindrical body is crafted in magewappa (曲げわっぱ), allowing the fine horizontal grain of the wood to define almost the entire exterior. Its decoration is deliberately minimal, drawing attention instead to the precision of the curved wooden construction and the small integrated pouring spout.

Set into the top is a contrasting deep red Kiyomizu ware lid, decorated with cranes rendered in gold and silver.

Against the rich red ground, the metallic cranes and stylised cloud motifs create a quietly celebratory composition. Rather than the dense geometric ornament of the Kinsai Nejirikomon version, this design leaves considerably more open space, allowing each crane to stand clearly within the composition.

The result is a sake server that feels distinctly Japanese without becoming visually excessive — natural wood, deep red ceramic, and restrained touches of gold and silver.

A Smaller Interpretation

At approximately 400ml, this version replaces the broad body and prominent overhead handle of the larger model with a compact vertical silhouette.

The change gives the vessel a quieter and more contemporary character.

From the side, the uninterrupted horizontal lines of the magewappa body dominate the design. Only when viewed from above does the decorated ceramic lid reveal itself fully, creating a subtle contrast between the simplicity of the wooden exterior and the refined ornament hidden at its centre.

Its smaller capacity also makes it a more intimate interpretation of the original — designed around a smaller serving ritual while retaining the same distinctive combination of woodcraft and Kiyomizu ware.

Summary

A compact fusion of Japanese woodcraft and Kyoto ceramics, pairing the quiet natural grain of magewappa with an elegant red Kiyomizu ware lid decorated with gold and silver cranes.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Product: Sake Server
Original Name: 曲げわっぱ赤蒔金銀鶴
Romanised Name: Magewappa Aka Maki Kingin Tsuru
Capacity: Approx. 400ml
Woodcraft: Magewappa / 曲げわっぱ
Ceramic Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Decoration: Gold and silver crane motifs on a deep red ground
Form: Compact upright cylindrical sake server
Brand: Nishikawa
Made in Japan
Care: 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 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 is the difference between a sake pitcher and a carafe?

A carafe is a general term for a vessel used to serve drinks such as water, wine, juice, or spirits.

A sake pitcher, traditionally called a Tokkuri (徳利), is a type of carafe specifically designed for serving Japanese sake. Its narrow neck helps retain the sake's temperature and allows for a smooth, controlled pour into small sake cups such as Ochoko or Guinomi.

In other words, every Tokkuri is a carafe, but not every carafe is a Tokkuri.

How is a Tokkuri (Sake pitcher) traditionally used?

Traditionally, sake is poured from a Tokkuri into small cups and shared among family or friends. In Japanese etiquette, it is customary to pour sake for others rather than filling your own cup, making the act of serving an important part of the experience.

Can a Tokkuri (Sake pitcher) be used for other drinks?

Absolutely. Many people also use ceramic Tokkuri to serve:

Shochu
Plum wine (Umeshu)
Infused spirits
Soy sauce or dressings
Small flower arrangements as decorative vases

Their elegant shape makes them both practical and decorative, even when not used for sake.

Can a Tokkuri (Sake pitcher) be used for both hot and cold sake?

Yes. A Tokkuri can be used to serve both chilled and warmed sake.

Many ceramic Tokkuri can be gently warmed by placing the carafe in a hot water bath before serving. Always follow the care instructions for your specific piece, as not all ceramics are suitable for direct heat or microwave use.