Swimming Koi Fish Guinomi Sake Cup

Indulge in the rich, smooth flavors of sake with this exceptional Wajima lacquerware guinomi sake cup. Boasting opulent layers of natural lacquer coupled with meticulously hand-painted details, this sake cup showcases the superb craftsmanship and refined artistry of Wajima lacquerware. 

The koi fish, celebrated as a symbol of success and prosperity, has been an emblem of good fortune in age-old traditions. Through the art of maki-e, the koi fish is depicted swimming gracefully in the tranquil confines of the small sake cup. Maki-e craftspeople, with skilled strokes of colored lacquer and a light touch of gold dust, masterfully capture the essence of the koi fish, detailing its fluttering fins, intricate scales, and expressive eyes, bringing this symbol of auspiciousness to life with elegance and precision. 

Beneath the black lacquer, hints of vermilion subtly appear along the edges, hinting at a discreet elegance. This piece, crafted to mature beautifully with use, invites you to savor its evolving character through the years.

The warmth of the cup, felt as you cradle it in your hands, nurtures the soul. Savor the luxury of Japanese sake in this exquisitely crafted Wajima lacquerware sake cup, transforming each moment into an experience of skillful artistry and serene pleasure.

Taya Shikkiten

Taya Shikkiten, a revered name in the world of Wajima lacquerware, boasts a 200-year history of exquisite artisanship and timeless quality. Situated in Wajima City, near the Sea of Japan in Ishikawa Prefecture, this esteemed establishment has been nurtured through generations, evolving into a hallmark of traditional Wajima lacquerware artistry.

Taya Shikkiten skillfully employs natural wood, natural lacquer, and jinoko, a locally sourced baked diatomaceous earth, to meticulously handcraft creations of extraordinary beauty and reliable functionality. Whether breathing new life into cultural heirlooms or shaping exquisite tableware, the company stands as a steadfast guardian of refined elegance and exceptional quality, showcasing the pinnacle of Wajima lacquerware's craftsmanship.

Wajima lacquerware, one of Japan's most esteemed lacquerware, finds its home in Wajima City, nestled in the northwest corner of the Noto Peninsula. This illustrious craft, flourishing since the Edo period (1603 CE - 1867 CE), is distinguished by its rich foundation and decorative embellishments that promise both aesthetic and functional excellence.

With an astounding number of steps in its production process, its sumptuous lacquer coat and exquisite decorations draw one into the mesmerizing world of Wajima artistry. Honored as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1975, Wajima lacquerware gracefully continues its evolution while maintaining the rich tapestry of its ancient traditions.