Made in Japan

KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | SAI HANAZUME 彩華詰 | NISHIKAWA

£297.00

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Exceptionally strong in Japanese character, craftsmanship and decorative detail, this is a richly expressive Kiyomizu ware piece that transforms a traditional sake cup into a small work of art.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | SAI HANAZUME 彩華詰 | NISHIKAWA

£297.00

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

A richly decorated Kiyomizu ware sake cup, where a garden of colour and gold unfolds across a distinctly Japanese form.

Description

Sai Hanazume (彩華詰) celebrates the decorative richness of traditional Japanese ceramics through an exceptionally dense arrangement of flowers.

Across the surface, blossoms in deep red, blue, white and muted gold overlap one another almost without empty space. Fine golden lines trace individual petals and details, giving the decoration an intricate, luminous quality that becomes increasingly apparent when the cup is viewed at close range.

What makes this piece particularly attractive is the balance between ornament and form. Unlike the straight-sided Kinsai Hanazume, Sai Hanazume adopts a more sculpted sake-cup silhouette: gently flaring towards the rim, narrowing through the lower body and finishing on a small foot. The shape feels unmistakably traditional and sits naturally in the hand.

The floral field is framed by contrasting geometric borders — a dark blue interlocking pattern around the rim and a classical meander motif around the foot. These controlled geometric lines provide a quiet structure around the exuberant flowers, preventing the decoration from feeling visually overwhelming.

Created by Kōhō Kiln (光抱窯) in Kyoto, the cup carries the character of highly decorative Kiyomizu ware: elaborate colour, fine handwork and an extraordinary amount of detail concentrated into a remarkably small object.

Look closely and the appeal becomes even clearer. Slight variations in the lines, petals and placement reveal the hand behind the decoration — qualities that give each piece its own individual character.

A richly detailed Kiyomizu ware sake cup where abundant floral decoration, fine golden accents and a traditional form come together in a distinctly Japanese expression of decorative craftsmanship.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Original Name: 彩華詰
Romanised Name: Sai Hanazume
Product: Sake Cup / Guinomi
Ware: Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware
Kiln: Kōhō Kiln (光抱窯)
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Motif: Dense Floral Composition
Decoration: Hand-painted floral and geometric detailing with extensive gold-coloured decoration
Colours: Red, Blue, White, Gold & Soft Pastels
Style: Highly Decorative / Traditional Japanese
Made in Japan
Handcrafted: Small variations in brushwork, colour and pattern are natural characteristics of individually decorated 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.