Sinra Nishiki Kagawa Lacquerware Guinomi Sake Cup
This is a sake cup that is quite rare as a lacquerware, featuring a metallic feel achieved through a mixture of black and silver colors. Its distinctive feature is the contrast between the sharp impression on the outside and the soft impression of the beautiful wood grain on the inside.
Despite its initial appearance of solidity and heaviness, the cup is actually lightweight and designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring a comfortable fit in the hand. It seamlessly combines practicality with a unique appearance and texture.
The cup's exceptional appearance and texture make the act of holding it enjoyable, transcending its basic function as a vessel for drinking alcohol. Through the experience of using this cup, one may naturally discover a shift in their usual values and behaviors, even learning new things about themselves. In this context, the cup can truly be regarded as a form of art.
Apart from this particular item, there is a vast selection of items that are irreplaceable, like specially designed sake cups. Combining the assortment of these pieces can fully immerse you into the realm of Shinra.
Sinra's founder, Kota Matsumoto, is not only involved in the development of the company's products but also actively works as a lacquer artist. He upholds the tradition of Kagawa lacquerware while presenting innovative forms of lacquer that have never been seen before, creating unique works that harmonize artistry with practicality. Sinra aims to bridge the gap between the creator and the user by merging traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary sensibility, transforming lacquer from an exclusive craft into something accessible to all.
The Zoukoku Series showcases an arrangement of "Zoukoku-nuri," one of the five traditional techniques of Kagawa lacquer art. Instead of utilizing conventional rust and powdered lacquer, finely ground stone powder called "Aji stone," native to Kagawa, is incorporated into the lacquer. Aji stone is renowned for its extreme hardness and durability, often referred to as the "diamond of granite." As a result, it provides resistance to scratches and maintains its strength even after prolonged use, making it less susceptible to wear and tear.
The Nishiki Series originated from the Zoukoku Series and introduces the sprinkling of tin powder onto the surface of the vessel, imparting a modern impression. On the other hand, the interior of the vessel is finished using a technique called "fuki-urushi," which involves the repeated application and wiping off of raw lacquer on wood, accentuating the natural wood grain. This creates a striking contrast with the beautiful wood grain of domestically sourced materials.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: D6.5.cm(2.6in)×H5.8cm(2.3in)
- Capacity: 70ml(2.4oz)
- Material: Wood - Kagawa Lacquerware
- Origin: Made in Japan
- Brand: Sanuki Urushi Sinra
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ABOUT SANUKI URUSHI SINRA
Sanuki Urushi Sinra, a maker launched in 2012 by Kouta Matsumoto, who trained under the esteemed national living treasure Masami Isoi, showcases the unique lacquer art of Kagawa by creating original lacquerware.
View more Sanuki Urushi Sinra's ItemsABOUT Kagawa Lacquerware
"The resonating beauty of carved and colored lacquer work"
In the late Edo period (c. 1603-1867), Tamakaji Zokoku set out to research lacquerware techniques from Thailand and China such as "Kinma" and "Zonsei." By combining traditional Japanese methods with these new ones, he was able to develop unique lacquerwares. Nowadays, Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture is mainly producing these pieces which are collectively known as Kagawa Lacquerware.
There is no specific style, and all pottery techniques from various regions of Japan are used. Another characteristic of Kyo ware is that all processes, such as pottery wheel turning and painting, are done by hand. With a history that has developed along with traditional culture, Kyo ware is characterized by delicate painting and excellent modeling skills, resulting in ceramics of great elegance and highly pictorial qualities. Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware were designated as traditional crafts by the Japanese government in 1977 and are very popular for its artistic quality.
