Vermilion sake cup by Yanashita Hideki

Width 7.0cm Height 5.8cm

The "Red Sake Cup" by Yanashi Hideki is, as its name suggests, a small vessel with a lustrous vermilion color that catches the eye. However, its presence is by no means small. Rather, it has a bold and powerful form that belies its size, leaving a vivid impression on those who see it and those who use it.

A fierce crimson color resides within a small vessel.

The greatest appeal of this sake cup lies in its color. This color, neither red nor vermilion, goes beyond the beauty of simple vivid coloring and has a deep resonance that symbolizes a burning passion and the power of life. It is lustrous yet by no means gaudy, and rather exudes a restrained Japanese beauty. It is the result of the memory of the encounter between fire and earth, which gave birth to this vessel, sublimated into color, and is a beauty that stands between the red that is part of nature and the form created by human hands.

Not a miniature bowl, but an independent personality

This Red Sake Cup is not a miniature tea bowl. Though it may be structurally similar, it has a distinct, independent personality. The base and body have been crafted with a strong awareness of its utility as a sake cup, and the shape is designed to fulfill its role and beauty as a sake cup. The shape is intentional, with slight distortions and fluctuations left behind; rather than striving for perfect symmetry, it has been finished as a "living form" that naturally retains traces of the hand's movements. These distortions give the entire vessel a rustic, powerful presence, resonating with the user's senses from the moment they pick it up.

Tableware that reflects the spirit of "eternal change"

This red sake cup quietly yet firmly embodies the spirit of "Futeki Ryuko" (the eternal and eternal flow of time). "Futeki" refers to the unchanging essence, aesthetic sense, and fundamental state of a vessel. Yanagishita's work consistently demonstrates a sincere approach to earth, fire, form, and purpose, as well as an unchanging philosophy toward the practice of pottery. Meanwhile, "Ryuko" (the eternal and eternal flow of time) signifies embracing the times and being open to new sensibilities and expressions. The bright colors and compact, powerful form of the red sake cup truly reflect its presence as a vessel that lives in the present. Originally, "Futeki Ryuko" was a concept advocated by Matsuo Basho in the world of haiku, and it posits the simultaneous existence of two seemingly contradictory concepts: eternally unchanging truth (Futeki) and the ever-changing flow of the world (Ryuko). Yanagishita Tokiki's "Red Sake Cup" beautifully combines these two elements in one vessel.

New time is born every time you use it

Not only is it a highly refined piece of tableware, but it also feels great to hold, has a smooth texture, and pairs well with sake. It's not just practical, it also develops a deeper flavor the more you use it. When sake is poured into it and the light sparkles off the vermilion glaze, the vessel begins to quietly speak. Its expression will change with the day, the season, and even the user's mood.

A small work of art at the crossroads of beauty and practicality

The Red Sake Cup is a work that exists between opposing elements: function and beauty as a vessel, tradition and modernity, serenity and intensity. At unexpected moments, even at the dinner table every day or while quietly enjoying a drink alone, the aesthetic sense and the artist's spirit that lie beyond the vessel emerge. This small yet eloquent work of art embodies such power.

Hideki Yanashita Profile
Ceramic artist 1967 –
Born in Tokyo, Yanagishita currently lives and works in Iga City, Mie Prefecture. Fascinated by pottery from the Momoyama period, he embarked on a career in ceramics. After training in Shigaraki , he built his own anagama kiln in Iga, Mie Prefecture, and opened the "Kanda Kiln." Under the tutelage of Sadamitsu Sugimoto, he delves deeply into the world of wabi-sabi from his own unique perspective, producing a diverse range of works, including Raku ware, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe ware. An important theme in Yanagishita's creative endeavors is the pursuit of new heights , born from the incorporation of modern materials and unique approaches, while deeply studying the techniques and spirit of his predecessors. His works question essential beauty that transcends time and invite viewers into a deeper world of art.

Base of operations : Iga, Mie Prefecture