Japanese Cups and Vessels

Japanese Cups & Vessels – The Art of Drinking, the Beauty of Craft

In Japan, even the simplest moment—like pouring and sipping sake—is elevated to an art form. The cups and vessels used to enjoy sake and tea are as important as the drink itself. These finely crafted pieces do more than hold liquid—they shape flavor, guide aroma, and enrich the experience through their form, material, and tradition.

From hand-thrown ceramic sake cups to lacquered ceremonial bowls and hand-blown Edo Kiriko glasses, this collection brings together the artistry of Japan’s finest drinkware.

🍶 Sake Cups (Sakazuki, Ochoko, Guinomi)

There is no single rule when it comes to selecting sake cups—just personal taste and occasion. Each cup design brings out different characteristics of the sake:

• Ochoko (お猪口): Small, cylindrical ceramic cups—traditional and ideal for warm sake.
• Guinomi (ぐい呑み): Slightly larger than ochoko, often handcrafted with regional character and texture.
• Sakazuki (盃): Shallow, wide-rimmed cups used in formal settings or sake ceremonies.
• Glass Sake Cups: Perfect for chilled sake—especially when enjoying aroma-rich varieties.
• Masu (枡): Wooden square cups, originally used for measuring rice. Now used in ceremonial toasts and celebrations. The hinoki wood adds a light, fragrant note to the sake.

🍵 Vessels & Pouring Tools

• Tokkuri (徳利): The classic ceramic sake flask, often seen on tables in traditional izakaya and homes. It may be warmed or chilled depending on the type of sake.
• Katakuchi (片口): An open-mouthed bowl with a spout—ideal for gently decanting sake or serving chilled varieties.
• Chirori (銚釐): A small metal pitcher used for warming sake in hot water baths; traditionally used in more refined service.

These vessels are not just functional—they are deeply connected to regional ceramic and glass traditions, making each a small work of cultural heritage.

🥢 Occasions, Materials & Pairing Traditions

• Ceramic & Porcelain: Everyday and formal use. Many feature iconic glazes and patterns from Japan’s famous pottery regions (Arita, Hagi, Bizen, Shigaraki, Kutani, and more).
• Edo Kiriko Glass: Intricately cut glass used especially for chilled sake—elegant and light-catching.
• Lacquerware: Reserved for special occasions like weddings or New Year. Red and black lacquer bowls elevate the moment with formality and beauty.
• Wooden Masu: Used during festivals or ceremonial toasts, adding a tactile and aromatic layer to the drink.

Pairing sake with a vessel from the same region as its origin is considered a refined and thoughtful gesture, deeply appreciated in Japanese culture.

✨ More Than a Drink—A Cultural Ritual

Whether you’re a sake connoisseur, tea enthusiast, or collector of Japanese fine crafts, these vessels are more than drinkware—they are expressions of hospitality, history, and refined design.