Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE SERVER | AKAMAKI GOLD & SILVER CRANES × MAGEWAPPA 600ml 赤蒔金銀鶴 X 曲げわっぱ | NISHIKAWA

£600.00

Japanese Magewappa Cedar Sake Server with Red Crane Design

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Strongly rooted in Japanese craft and symbolism, this sake server brings together traditional magewappa woodwork and Kiyomizu ware, with auspicious gold and silver cranes giving the restrained cedar form a warm ceremonial character.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE SERVER | AKAMAKI GOLD & SILVER CRANES × MAGEWAPPA 600ml 赤蒔金銀鶴 X 曲げわっぱ | NISHIKAWA

£600.00

Taxes included.Shipping calculated at checkout.

Quantity

SET

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

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🇯🇵 All products made in Japan

A refined union of two Japanese craft traditions, pairing an Ōdate magewappa cedar sake vessel with a deep vermilion Kiyomizu ware lid decorated with auspicious cranes in gold and silver.

Description

This distinctive sake server brings together two very different expressions of Japanese craftsmanship.

The body is formed in magewappa (曲げわっぱ), the traditional technique of bending thin sections of cedar into precise, beautifully flowing forms. Its pale natural wood, continuous grain and restrained construction give the vessel an almost architectural simplicity.

Set into this quiet wooden form is a richly coloured Kiyomizu ware lid in Akamaki Kingin Tsuru (赤蒔金銀鶴).

A deep vermilion-red ground provides the setting for a pair of cranes, one rendered in gold and the other in silver, surrounded by stylised cloud motifs. Nishikawa describes this decorative approach as applying an akamaki red finish reminiscent of Japanese lacquerware before expressing the cranes through gold and silver decoration.

The result is striking without relying on dense ornament.

Where the Kinsai Nejirikomon version celebrates extraordinary complexity through layer upon layer of miniature geometric patterns, Akamaki Kingin Tsuru is more pictorial and symbolic. The eye is drawn immediately to the cranes and the contrast of metallic gold and silver against the warm red surface.

The Meaning of the Cranes

The crane — tsuru (鶴) — is one of Japan's most enduring auspicious motifs, traditionally associated with longevity and good fortune.

Here, the paired gold and silver cranes circle the lid among stylised clouds, while the vermilion ground gives the composition a celebratory character.

It makes the ceramic lid more than an ornamental accent to the wooden vessel: it introduces a distinctly Japanese visual story to the otherwise restrained form of the magewappa.

Magewappa × Kiyomizu Ware

The real value of this piece lies in the combination.

Rather than constructing the entire sake server from ceramic, the maker pairs traditional Japanese bentwood craftsmanship with Kyoto ceramics. Nishikawa itself categorises these vessels as “Magewappa × Kiyomizu Ware”, confirming that the meeting of the two crafts is central to the concept of the series.

The contrast is particularly beautiful here:

natural cedar and vermilion, wood grain and glaze, restraint and decoration.

The tall curved handle and projecting wooden spout also make the craftsmanship of the wooden body unusually visible. Even before noticing the ceramic lid, the object has the unmistakable character of traditional Japanese magewappa.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Product: Sake Server / Sake Container
Original Name: 曲げわっぱ赤蒔金銀鶴
Romanised Name: Magewappa Akamaki Kingin Tsuru
Woodcraft: Magewappa / 曲げわっぱ
Ceramic Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Ceramic Design: Akamaki Kingin Tsuru / 赤蒔金銀鶴
Motif: Gold & Silver Cranes with stylised clouds
Colour: Natural Cedar / Vermilion / Gold / Silver
Brand: Nishikawa
Made in Japan
Official reference size: approx. W145 × D120 × H170 mm / 600 ml / 140 g
Craft character: Japanese bentwood craftsmanship paired with decorated Kyoto ceramics
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.