Hammered Tin Guinomi Sake Cup

This tin guinomi sake cup is made by Seigado, which has a workshop in Niigata Prefecture. The company mainly produces sake carafes and cups with a form that fits comfortably in the hand and a luster and strength that can only be achieved by forging and beating repeatedly.

It is produced using a technique called tsuiki, in which craftsmen hammer metal plates one by one to create shapes and patterns. The shape of the rim is slightly wavy, rather than flat, to convey the charm of handmade. The reflection of the patterns shines through, making it a beautiful product.

Tin was prized as a material suitable for storing water and other things because of its ability to purify what is put inside it. It is also suitable for enjoying the taste of alcohol itself since it does not retain any odor.

Due to its high thermal conductivity, it should be used for warm sake, not an extra hot one. The moderate weight of this Guinomi is comfortable and allows you to enjoy a good sake slowly.

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. With the rise of Buddhism, the construction of temples, Buddhist statues, and ritual implements flourished, and metalworking techniques also advanced. Eventually, a wide variety of products such as tea ceremony utensils, Japanese swords, armor, and ornaments came to be manufactured.