Kohiki Sake Cup

This uniquely shaped sake cup was made using the kohiki technique, meaning “powder pull” in Japanese. This method involves coating a darker clay base with a layer of white liquid clay slip to create a soft, matte finish. Brown hues from the darker clay peek through the milky-white surface, adding depth and giving the piece an earthy, rustic character. Not only is kohiki an exceptionally distinctive technique in Kutani ware, but this cylindrical, goblet-like shape is also exceptionally rare. Each kohiki piece is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. With use and time, its surface develops a unique patina, giving the cup an even more personal character. Rich, natural colors and tactile stoneware beautifully embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

Thick stoneware helps retain the temperature of its contents for longer while offering durability and practicality for everyday use. Beyond sake, this versatile cup can be used to serve a favorite mocktail, non-alcoholic drinks such as juice, or even desserts and yogurt. Whether enjoyed by yourself or given as a thoughtful gift to someone special, this sake cup invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Kokuzou Kiln

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Kokuzou in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kokuzou Kiln creates distinctive pottery rooted in a deep respect for handmade craftsmanship. Its pieces are known for individual forms and warm, tactile surfaces. Among its varied works are kohiki pieces, in which darker clay is coated with white slip, allowing traces of the clay beneath to show through the milky surface. One of the few Kutani ware kilns with an integrated production system, it carries out every stage in-house, from forming the clay to painting and firing.

Made to be enjoyed in everyday life, these pieces find a place at breakfast, during a break at work, or over a shared meal with loved ones. Kokuzou Kiln’s creations are designed to become cherished companions for years to come.

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.