Lapis Blue Guinomi Sake Cup
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Glazed in a gorgeous lapis lazuli blue, this guinomi sake cup is perfectly sized for enjoying Japanese sake or small servings of tea, offering a comfortable grip for sipping. It also works beautifully as an espresso cup or a dish for sauces and condiments.
Made from 100% pottery stone from Izumiyama Quarry—discovered over 400 years ago and instrumental in laying the foundation for Japan’s early porcelain craftsmanship—this piece is deeply rooted in tradition. This sake cup was fired in a noborigama, or climbing kiln, to achieve its high degree of luster and to bring out the quality of the lapis lazuli glaze—a color that’s impossible to achieve at the same level of beauty in a gas-fired kiln.
Featuring subtle ridges from being hand-shaped on a pottery wheel, small semi-circles at the base where the potter held the cup to dip it into the glaze, and tiny dots of ash from the kiln, each piece is subtly individual with a special, handmade feel.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | D 6.8 cm (2.7 in) x H 6.5 cm (2.6 in) |
| Capacity | 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) |
| Weight | 130 g (4.6 oz) |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Package Type | Paper box |
| Microwave | Yes |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
Maker / Brand
In the early seventeenth century, Korean craftsman Yi Sam-pyeong, known as Le Sanpei (also spelled Ri Sanpei) in Japanese, discovered pottery stone in Izumiyama, Arita. This led to the creation of the oldest porcelain in Japan, known today as Arita ware. He also founded Le Sanpei Kiln, which operated for four generations before closing, though his name and legacy endured.
In 1920, Le’s thirteenth-generation descendant revived the kiln, which has been in operation ever since. Now led by the fourteenth generation kiln master, Le Sanpei’s exceptional porcelain craftsmanship lives on today.
Crafts
Crafted in the historic town of Arita, located in Saga Prefecture, Arita ware stands as the most venerable porcelain production hub in the annals of Japanese history. Characterized by its ethereal translucent white surface adorned with vibrant paintings, it has profoundly influenced the porcelain craft across Europe.
Within Japan, Arita ware is held in high esteem as a prestigious brand, with the town of Arita acknowledged as a quintessential production area.
Notes
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Guinomi
Guinomi are a type of sake cup, smaller than a typical Japanese teacup but somewhat larger than other sake cups. They are often used without a sake carafe, with sake poured directly from the bottle.
Guinomi originally held delicacies during Japanese tea ceremonies, but in time came to be used for drinking sake afterward. They have therefore evolved alongside Japan’s unique tea culture.
Sometsuke
Sometsuke is a decorative Japanese pottery technique also known as Blue and White. It is cherished worldwide for its cobalt blue and white contrast. The visually appealing design, combined with a fine, smooth finish and lightweight feel, enhances the user experience. This makes it especially valued not only in tableware but also in art pieces.
The Legacy of the 14th Generation Master at Le Sanpei Kiln
The Enigmatic Science of Japanese Climbing Kilns
A Tea Table in Bloom: Arita Ware and Seasonal Sweets
Elegant Style for Evening Drinking with Oden and Sake
Enjoy your evening with a bamboo-shaped sake set made of fine Edo glass and a chic small bowl made by Le Sanpei Kiln.
