Treasure Pattern Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup

This sakazuki flat sake cup features exquisite sometsuke designs hand-painted by master craftsman Yamamoto Choza. Detailed drawings of ancient treasures surrounding a botanical motif invite good fortune and prosperity. The intricacies of each design beckon for a second glance.

The porcelain base is formed using the katauchi technique, where a smooth layer of clay is placed over a mold and carefully shaped by hand with precise force to replicate the form. Through expert craftsmanship, the final product attains a thin and uniformly consistent appearance.

In this remarkable sake cup, the brilliance of sometsuke painting takes center stage, showcasing the artist’s remarkable skill. At first glance, the meticulously rendered motifs draw the eye with their fine lines and captivating depth. Each brushstroke is carefully applied to accentuate the cup’s classic Kutani contours, resulting in a harmonious blend of tradition and sophistication. As the glaze settles and the piece undergoes firing, the once-crisp details soften just enough to evoke a serene, almost ethereal quality. 

The true distinction of this cup lies in its seamless union of form and decoration: the elegant footed silhouette provides a graceful foundation for the delicate blue patterns, weaving a coherent story across the porcelain’s luminous white surface. It is a testament to the artisan’s mastery, reflecting a deep reverence for Japan’s cultural heritage while offering a refined touch of beauty to the modern table.

Yamamoto Choza

Yamamoto Choza is renowned for his innovative synthesis of traditional elegance and modern creativity in blue Kutani ware pottery, also known as ai-Kutani. With years of disciplined study and refined technique, he transforms classical forms through delicate brushwork and a controlled tension that unfolds a narrative of timeless artistry.

Inspired by antique aesthetics, his ceramic art is imbued with auspicious motifs and profound philosophical resonance, creating porcelain pieces that honor heritage while engaging a contemporary audience.

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.

The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.