Cosmos and Zen — a sake cup that fills the everyday with an extraordinary sense of beauty.

A Vessel That Mirrors the User’s Spirit
Arita ware carries four hundred years of history. Shinemon Kiln created this sake cup, “Aoki-Myojo,” in the belief that “a vessel must be a mirror that reflects the spirit of the one who uses it.” It is a cosmos in the palm — one that raises small everyday moments, a cup of sake or a bowl of tea, into memories that are not forgotten.

The Dignity of Tenmoku
The guinomi holds an especially high rank among sake vessels, and this form carries the unshakeable dignity of tenmoku, whose source is the National Treasure “Oil-Spot Tenmoku Tea Bowl.” History, art and philosophy are concentrated in this small vessel — the ultimate beauty of use, which sharpens the senses of the one who holds it.

A Galaxy Born of the Kiln’s Flame
Within the jet-black glaze spreads a deep indigo shower of galactic meteors, created by the flame of the kiln — no two ever alike. That mysterious light draws out the colour of whatever is poured or served, turning the everyday act of tasting into something close to a rite.

Many Roles in One Vessel
As a sake cup that mirrors the heavens, as a tea vessel for taking in aroma, and as a vessel that carries the spirit of hospitality — it enriches life in many uses.

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.

What Is Tenmoku?
Tenmoku is a family of dark iron glazes that came to Japan from China and has been prized in the tea world for centuries. Yuteki tenmoku — oil-spot tenmoku — takes its name from the crystals that surface during firing and scatter across the black glaze like drops of oil on water. Several such bowls are designated National Treasures of Japan.

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.
Mouth diameter: 7.3cm / Height: 4.4cm, Capacity: 80ml / Body: approx. 78g, Boxed: 140g
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.