Shinemon is known as a master of kiln transformation. Thousands of colours have been born of trial and error as countless as the stars, and from among them twelve especially loved colours have been carefully chosen.

A Jewel Box of Colour
Like colourful treasures packed into a jewel box, these are guinomi sake cups that are a pleasure simply to look at.

Twelve Kiln Transformations
The set gathers Ginga (Galaxy) glaze, the glaze most representative of Shinemon, together with Aizome-Suiteki, brilliant red shinsha (cinnabar glaze) and Ruri-Suiteki, like a deep blue droplet, through to newer colours such as Kirameki (sparkle) and Kujaku-Shinsha (peacock shinsha). It is a lavish set of guinomi in twelve colours, each with its own kiln transformation.

For the Banquet, and for Giving
They will bring still more colour to a gathering over sake. Recommended for welcoming important guests, and equally as a special gift, a gift of congratulation, or a keepsake.

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 × 12, paulownia box, booklet.
Mouth diameter: 7.5cm / Height: 4.5cm / Weight: approx. 77g
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.