Studio Yanagi
| Item | Sakazuki sake cup |
|---|---|
| Colour | Silver |
| Dimensions | Ø9 x 3.5cm |
| 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.
Holding little more than a few sips of sake, the Sakazuki is a wide, shallow, footed sake cup, often used for special occasions, from weddings to sealing business agreements as well as Chanoyu: the Japanese tea ceremony. Drinking sake is an essential part of the formal Chaji tea ceremony, where thick Koicha tea is served. To prepare the stomach and cleanse the palate before partaking in this potent brew, a light, multi-course Kaiseki meal is enjoyed along with sake, which is passed back and forth between host and guests. Besides calming the senses, the ritual of sharing sake fosters connection and respect between all participants – a key objective of Chanoyu.
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.
