Sazameku Green Guinomi Sake Cup

This guinomi sake cup is a hand-built creation that brings together the refined craftsmanship and artistic sensibility characteristic of Kutani ware. Its surface shimmers with glassy Japanese pigments that evoke the energy and movement of ocean spray. This piece features a bold, sculptural surface that recalls the moment when waves crash against the shoreline. Layers of green, white, and gold glazes are applied in sequence, each one adding depth and soft translucence to the overall form.

A highlight of this piece is the yudare—the natural flow of glaze that occurs during firing. Just before reaching the base, the glaze halts, leaving a trace that feels at once spontaneous and intentional. This expressive detail is achieved through precise control of heat and glaze density—an intersection where the artist’s intention meets the unpredictable nature of fire and material. The glaze patterns vary subtly with each piece, making every guinomi truly one of a kind.

Its title, sazameku (rippling), alludes to the quiet presence of waves, while inviting personal interpretation. Depending on the light and angle, the cup reveals shifting expressions. Its surface feels textured like stone, while the gold accents glow with quiet elegance. Drinking from it becomes a sensory encounter, suggesting the glint of sunlight on water, or the distant contours of a mountain range. When turned upside down, the form recalls a sharp ridgeline rising into the sky.

This guinomi is not only a vessel for drinking, but also an object for quiet reflection, imbued with the subtle presence of nature. Whether displayed as an object of admiration or used in moments of gracious hospitality, it embodies the harmony of utility and aesthetic refinement.

Yamaura Saori

Among today’s Kutani ware artists, Yamaura Saori brings a distinctive presence. Working from her home studio, she lets her hands guide her through subtle curves, gentle distortions, and soft transitions. Her pieces are not bound by convention, yet they are unmistakably rooted in craft. At once fluid and precise, intuitive and technical, her ceramics speak of a moment captured in time.

Kutani Ware

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow 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.