Indigo Blue Guinomi Sake Cup

This indigo blue guinomi sake cup, crafted by Seigado, boasts a rounded shape that fits comfortably in the hand and offers a smooth rim. 

This hammered copper sake cup radiates a gem-like sparkle, ideally designed for evenings enjoying sake. 

A sheet of copper is carefully crafted using the traditional hammering technique known as tsuiki to shape this sake cup into a seamless piece. Tsuiki is a metal crafting technique that involves hammering and embossing various metal plates, such as gold, silver, copper, and tin. The hammering marks are left as beautiful patterns on the finished products.

Copper's high thermal conductivity enhances the chill of cold sake, while the tin coating inside softens its flavor. The copper also deepens in color with use, adding enjoyment over time.

Seigado

Seigado’s workshop is located at the foot of Mt. Yahiko in Niigata Prefecture, where high-quality copper was discovered about 300 years ago. This region is where the traditional tsuiki metalworking technique finds its roots.

In Japan, there's a saying that things get better with use. Seigado's products possess a charm that inspires you to cherish and care for them over time.

Metalwork has long been prized for its durability and gorgeous appearance. In Japan, bronze swords and harnesses were made from the Yayoi period (10th century BCE–mid-3rd century CE) based on techniques introduced from China and Korea.

As Buddhism spread, metalworking advanced, producing temple fittings and ritual objects. Eventually, traditional Japanese copperware, including hammered copper vessels, became highly refined, while Japanese cast iron—especially Nambu ironware—gained renown for its strength and elegant simplicity.