Striped Motif Guinomi Sake Cup

This sake cup is quite rare as a lacquerware, with impressive contrasts within the materials and colors.

Despite its initial appearance of solidity and heaviness, the cup is actually lightweight and designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring a comfortable fit in the hand. It seamlessly combines practicality with a unique appearance and texture.

The strips are drawn based on the sensibility of the moment, making each item unique and one-of-a-kind. The item features a contrast between the smoothness of the red lacquer and the rough texture created by the recessed areas using the Zoukoku technique. It also showcases a contrast between the sharp impression on the outside and the soft impression of the beautiful wood grain on the inside.

The cup's exceptional appearance and texture make the act of holding it enjoyable, transcending its basic function as a vessel for drinking alcohol. Through the experience of using this cup, one may naturally discover a shift in their usual values and behaviors, even learning new things about themselves. In this context, the cup can truly be regarded as a form of art.

Sinra

Sanuki Urushi Sinra was launched in 2012 by Matsumoto Kota, who trained under the esteemed national living treasure Isoi Masami. Sinra showcases the unique lacquer art of Kagawa through their original lacquerware creations.

In the late Edo period (1603–1868 CE), Tamakaji Zokoku set out to research lacquerware techniques from Thailand and China, such as kinma and zonsei. By combining traditional Japanese methods with these new ones, he was able to develop unique lacquerware works. Today the main production area of these pieces, collectively known as Kagawa Lacquerware, is Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture.