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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | SOMETSUKE KOZANJI 染付高山寺 | NISHIKAWA

£118.00

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Exceptional in Japanese character and storytelling, combining Kyoto Kiyomizu ware, hand-painted sometsuke and the historic imagery of Kōzan-ji into a sake cup defined by quiet refinement rather than ornament.

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KIYOMIZU WARE SAKE CUP | SOMETSUKE KOZANJI 染付高山寺 | NISHIKAWA

£118.00

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SET

Single cup Pair - 2 cups Pair - SOMETSUKE Pair

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A refined Kiyomizu ware sake cup where the quiet elegance of sometsuke blue-and-white painting meets one of Japan’s most celebrated historical images — the playful animals of the Chōjū-giga scrolls.

Description

Created by Kyoto ceramic artist Kuramoto Takashi (倉元貴史), this sake cup draws its imagery from the famous Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (鳥獣人物戯画) associated with Kōzan-ji Temple in Kyoto.

The historic scrolls depict anthropomorphic animals — most famously rabbits, frogs and monkeys — running, wrestling and behaving almost like people. Their remarkably lively brushwork has made them one of the most recognisable works of classical Japanese pictorial art.

Kuramoto translates this imagery onto Kiyomizu ware through sometsuke (染付), the traditional technique of painting cobalt decoration beneath a transparent glaze.

Here, the restrained palette is particularly effective. Rather than relying on elaborate colour or extensive gold decoration, the cup is built almost entirely around the contrast between the warm ivory-white porcelain and freely drawn indigo-blue lines.

Look closely and the character of the hand-painted work becomes apparent. The lines vary naturally in thickness and intensity; the animals feel animated rather than mechanically reproduced. Kuramoto's related Kōzan-ji works are likewise described as being individually formed and painted by hand, meaning subtle variations are part of the character of each piece.

The form itself adds another layer. A gentle narrowing around the middle gives the cup a comfortable place for the fingers to settle, while the slightly flared upper section creates an elegant silhouette.

And then there is the smallest finishing touch: a fine golden line around the rim.

It is deliberately restrained. Rather than turning the cup into a decorative gold piece, the narrow rim catches the light only occasionally, giving the otherwise blue-and-white composition a quiet sense of refinement.

This is what makes the piece particularly successful: it feels distinguished without needing to look extravagant.

The Kōzan-ji Story

The imagery originates from the celebrated Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga scrolls preserved by Kōzan-ji Temple in Kyoto. The scenes are famous for their expressive animals and extraordinarily fluid line work.

There is also a particularly fitting connection between the imagery and drinking vessels. Retail documentation for Kuramoto's Kōzan-ji series notes Kōzan-ji's historical association with the early cultivation of tea in Japan, helping explain why Chōjū-giga imagery has long found a natural home on Japanese drinking ware.

What Kuramoto has created here is therefore more than simply an attractive animal illustration. It brings together Kyoto ceramics, sometsuke painting and imagery rooted in Kyoto's cultural history within a small object designed to be held and used.

The Artisan — Kuramoto Takashi

Kuramoto Takashi was born in 1968 as the second son of second-generation Kuramoto Kōhō. He studied ceramic forming and advanced ceramics in Kyoto before training under his father, and later received instruction from second-generation Miura Chikken. His stated approach is to preserve techniques inherited through the Kōhō lineage while bringing a contemporary sensibility to traditional craftsmanship.

That philosophy is particularly visible in this piece: an old Kyoto subject and an established ceramic technique presented with remarkable clarity and lightness.

Summary

A quietly distinguished Kiyomizu ware sake cup by Kuramoto Takashi, bringing the lively animals of Kyoto’s Chōjū-giga tradition into the restrained beauty of hand-painted sometsuke, finished with a subtle golden rim.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Brand: Nishikawa
Origin: Kyoto, Japan
Ware: Kiyomizu Ware / Kyo Ware
Artist: Kuramoto Takashi (倉元貴史)
Kiln tradition: Kōhō
Original name: 染付高山寺
Romanised name: Sometsuke Kozanji
Technique: Sometsuke underglaze painting
Motif: Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga / Kōzan-ji
Detail: Fine gold-coloured rim
Product: Sake Cup / Guinomi
Craft character: Hand-painted; natural variations between individual pieces should be expected

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 Sometsuke (染付) mean?

Sometsuke refers to the traditional Japanese technique and aesthetic of decorating ceramics with blue designs on a white ground, creating the distinctive blue-and-white appearance seen on this cup.

What is the Kozanji design?

Kozanji refers toKōzan-ji, a historic temple in Kyotoclosely associated with the famousChōjū-jinbutsu-gigaillustrated scrolls. These works are particularly celebrated for their lively and humorous depictions of animals.

What is Chōjū-giga?

Chōjū-giga (鳥獣戯画) is a celebrated series of historic Japanese picture scrolls, famous for playful scenes of rabbits, frogs, monkeys, and other animals behaving like people. The earliest sections date to around the 12th century.

Rabbits and frogs are among the most recognisable characters in Chōjū-giga. They appear running, wrestling, playing, and taking part in human-like activities, giving the artwork its distinctive humour and lively character.