Within a small round world, beneath a glaze as clear as a precious stone, please take in the gradations of a pale pink peony in bloom.

Gold and Pale Blue
The gold ground pattern and outlines, together with the light and dark shades of pale blue, give the cup a refined presence.

The Tree Peony, King of Flowers
There is a Japanese saying that likens a beautiful woman to flowers: “standing, a herbaceous peony; seated, a tree peony; walking, a lily.” The tree peony was given its place in the saying because its flower looks as though it were seated. In China it is also called the king of flowers, and since ancient times it has been loved as a symbol of splendour.

A Gift for a Woman
This splendid sake cup is also recommended as a special present for a woman.

Exceptional Functionality
The material is high-grade pottery stone from Amakusa in Kyushu. Fired at the extreme temperature of 1,300°C, this Arita porcelain feels as light as a feather in the hand yet is hard and non-absorbent, so stains do not settle and care is simple. There is none of the earthy scent of stoneware. It keeps drinks hot or cold well.

About Arita Ware
Arita ware is the origin of Japanese porcelain. In 1616, under the rule of the Saga domain lord Naoshige Nabeshima, pottery stone was found in what is now Saga Prefecture and production began. Because the wares were made in Arita and shipped from the port of Imari, they are also known as Imari ware. Carried to Europe by the Dutch East India Company — the only trading partner permitted during Japan’s period of national seclusion — the porcelain was called “white gold” and furnished the courts of royalty and nobility.

What Is a Guinomi?
A guinomi is a small cup for Japanese sake, held in one hand. Among sake vessels it is considered to hold a particularly high rank, and it is often chosen as the vessel for a special drink.

Why a Paulownia Box
Paulownia wood is light, resists moisture and insects, and moves with changes in humidity — which is why it has been used in Japan for centuries to store what is valuable. A piece delivered in a paulownia box arrives ready to give, and the box itself is part of the gift.

Contents and Dimensions
Sake cup × 1, paulownia box, booklet, turmeric-dyed cloth.
Height: 2.6cm Diameter: 9cm
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.