Madder Red Nishiki Guinomi Sake Cup

As vibrant and unique as the nishikigoi carp that inspired its design, this guinomi sake cup has a rare tricolor of copper, red, and blue.

Nishikigoi is a type of ornamental carp originating in the city of Ojiya, not too far away from Mt Yahiko, Niigata Prefecture, where Seigado’s workshop is located. Regarded as "living works of art," koi have long been treasured in Japan as symbols of good luck and positive omens.

This work by Seigado is created using the complex and time-consuming metal crafting technique called tsuiki, which involves hammering and embossing various metal plates, such as gold, silver, copper, and tin. Beautiful patterns emerge with the use of various hammers and chisels, and only a select few craftsmen in Japan are capable of producing exquisite metalwork using this method.

What makes this guinomi sake cup memorable, is the dexterous blending of a moody indigo blue with the prominent deep shade of red by the name of akane iro, also known as madder red. Symbolic of autumn, akane iro has been likened to the color of fall maple leaves and red dragonflies.

Part of Hyakunen-Monogatari "Tales of a Century" branding project from Niigata that aims to create items that can be cherished and passed down through generations, this carafe is designed to last a lifetime.