Studio Yanagi
| Item | Guinomi sake cup |
|---|---|
| Colour | Silver |
| Dimensions | Ø7.5 x 4cm |
| Volume | 60ml |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Studio | Yanagi 柳窯 |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Glaze | Mange Yuteki ("kaleidoscopic oil spot") |
| Stamp | Seal to base |
| Packaging | Wooden box (Kiribako) |
Each item is handmade and unique therefore size, colour and finish will vary slightly.
The Guinomi is a type of sake cup, typically larger and deeper than other styles, believed to have evolved from small Mukōzuke bowls used for side dishes during Kaiseki: the light, multi-course meal that precedes formal Chaji tea ceremonies, where thick Koicha tea is served. The meal, accompanied by sake, lines the stomach and cleanses the palate before the potent brew is drunk. Besides its calming properties, the ritual of sharing sake amongst host and guests fosters deeper connections and respect, contributing to the sense of harmony and tranquility central to the tea ceremony.
Kyo- and Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼), used together or interchangeably, refers to pottery produced in the Kyoto area, covering a variety of different styles. Historically Kiyomizu-yaki exclusively referred to pottery made on the road leading up to the ancient Kiyomizu Temple (now a UNESCO World Heritage site). From 794 to 1603 Kyoto was the imperial capital, attracting the most skilled artisans across the country. Even after the seat of government moved to Edo, present day Tokyo, Kyoto continued to be the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan. Typical Kyoto wares are decorated with colourful hand-painted motifs using overglaze enamel pigments: a technique that appeared in the 17th century and is still a hallmark of Kyo-yaki today.
