Red Chrysanthemum Guinomi Sake Cup

This small guinomi sake cup has a relatively shallow shape. The gorgeous chrysanthemum pattern and vermillion color are beautiful and perfect for drinking sake at festive occasions. When sake is poured, the painting becomes even more beautiful with its glossy reflection.

Aizu-e, the traditional design of Aizu lacquerware, is hand-painted one by one by skilled maki-e artists. The painting of the chrysanthemum flower is considered as auspicious motif in Japan, warding off disease and bringing longevity.

The decoration is done by hand, using brushes and cotton buds for painting, so each piece is finished differently. This is the reason why some of the gold paintings are blurred and some paints are pooled, but we hope you enjoy it as the charm of handmade products.

Fukunishi Sobe Shoten

Fukunishi Sobe Shoten, a long-established Aizu lacquerware company, was founded in 1919 by Fukunishi Sobe, who branched off from the Fukunishi Ihee Shoten—the main family business that had been operating since the early Edo period (1603–1868 CE) for thirteen generations. 

In addition to traditional lacquering techniques that highlight the soft, lustrous finish characteristic of lacquerware, they continue to pass down unique Aizu decorative methods such as Aizu-e painting, featuring motifs of pine, bamboo, plum, and ceremonial arrows, as well as the use of spinning wheel patterns.

Aizu lacquerware is a traditional craft originating from the Aizu region in western Fukushima. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges, the region's humid climate provides ideal conditions for working with lacquer. Aizu lacquerware is known for its auspicious motifs and refined decorative techniques, including Aizu-e, featuring vibrant Japanese floral patterns, and maki-e, which uses gold powder to create intricate designs.

Firmly rooted in over 400 years of tradition, Aizu lacquerware continues to evolve by embracing modern techniques, sharing its timeless beauty with the world today.