Striped Motif Flared-Rim Guinomi Sake Cup

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

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 wide rim of the cup allows for a larger surface area of the sake to come into contact with the air, enhancing the extraction of complex aromas. Even with just a slight tilt, the sake enters the mouth slowly and smoothly.

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.