Sazameku Indigo Blue Guinomi Sake Cup

This guinomi sake cup is a hand-built creation that brings together the refined craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of Kutani ware. Its surface shimmers with glassy Japanese pigments, capturing the energy and movement of ocean spray. Shaped entirely by hand without the use of a pottery wheel, the piece features a bold, sculptural surface that evokes the moment waves crash against the shoreline. Layers of indigo blue, white, and gold are applied in sequence, each glaze adding depth and a soft, translucent glow.

One of the most striking features of this guinomi is the yudare—the natural flow of glaze during firing. Just before reaching the base, the glaze halts, leaving a spontaneous, yet intentional trace. This expressive detail is achieved through fine-tuned control of temperature and glaze density, where mastery and unpredictability intertwine. The following 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, but leaves room for personal interpretation. Depending on the light and viewing angle, the cup reveals shifting expressions. The surface feels textured like stone, while the gold accents glow with quiet elegance. Drinking from it becomes a sensory encounter—perhaps evoking sunlight glinting off water, or the silhouette of distant mountain peaks. When turned upside down, its form recalls a dramatic ridgeline rising sharply against the sky. 

Whether displayed as a contemplative object or used in moments of gracious hospitality, this guinomi embodies the harmony of utility and aesthetic refinement—a vessel where nature, craft, and ritual come together.

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.