Featuring the distinctive “nami-yu” glaze, which is made from the ashes of the Kyoto forest, this Katakuchi sake carafe has a natural base color in yellowish cream-white. 

Founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler in Kyoto, Tosen Kiln uses its own blend of clay and glaze, preserving the methods and quality of the works of Nonomura Ninsei, the renowned potter who is said to have established the art of Kyo ware in the 17th century.

The paintwork is done by individual Japanese-style painters, pursuing their own originality and depth beyond the expectations of a mere decorations. This particular piece presents the deities of "Fujin Raijin" (Wind God and Thunder God). Not only are they deities of the supernatural but are also believed to be the attendants of the wise Buddha. The Wind God is riding his cloud carrying a cloth which lets him control the wind at his own guise, and the Thunder God holds a ring of drums. 

The handle is made from a branch, giving a contrast between the smooth stoneware and the rustic texture of wood. Holding the carafe, we see the paintings of the two gods. The carafe is very light, and easy to pour sake. The lower part of the carafe is faintly brushed with gold to portray mist or fog. 

The decorative drawings are directly painted on the bisqued surface of the carafe which requires unique skills as paint is quickly absorbed by the clay surface. The art of underglaze painting uses more restraint colors of blue and brown, giving the piece a more subdued impression. As the paint is absorbed, the result is a more lucid and transparent finish of the delicate brush work, as opposed to the more solid pigments of overglaze painting. The finishing touches are the gold linings on the rim and bottom along with scattered sprinkles on the side. Due to its delicate characteristics, gold can only be applied as an overglaze to truly display its beautiful color. 

A lightweight sake carafe with a warm cream-white color with hand painted detailed designs. You can enjoy the company of a miniature wind god entertaining your drinking experience.

Tosen Kiln introduces the timeless techniques of Kiyomizu ware through their delicate hand painting and modeling styles. The intricate paintings on the stoneware breathe warmth and beauty into the pieces and tell stories of the diligence needed to create them.

PRODUCT DETAIL

• Dimension: D13cm(9.8in) x H7.5cm(2.9in), [With handle] H17cm(6.7in)
• Capacity: 300ml(9.5oz)
• Material: Stoneware
• Origin: Made in Japan - Kiyomizu Ware
• Brand: Tosen Kiln