Powdered sake cup by Yanashita Hideki

Width 8.1cm Height 5.0cm

The "Konahiki Guinomi" by Yanashita Hideki is a small sake cup that is impressive for its cute yet elegant appearance and soft white texture. The light form that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, the pleasant texture on your mouth, and the gentle atmosphere that permeates the entire vessel - all of these aspects make this a piece that will bring quiet joy to your daily life.

Pale, soft, translucent white

The "white" applied to this sake cup is not a single color, but rather multiple shades of white are woven together. The charm of this vessel is that it is not one color, but rather the subtle overlapping of these colors.

Its soft expression has a certain lustrous quality that one might call "sexy," and although it is simple, it has a mysterious drawing power that makes it impossible to take your eyes off it.

The gentleness of earthenware created by the technique of Kohiki

The "kohiki" technique used in this piece is one of the most warm-feeling pottery techniques. A soft white surface is created by applying white mud over the clay base, then applying a transparent glaze and firing the piece. The clay's expression, faintly visible under the glaze, gives the piece depth and breathing space, and Yanagishita's hands have beautifully maintained this delicate balance. Kohiki is loved by many for its gentle texture, but it also has the characteristic that the colors of sake and ingredients soak into the cracks with use, causing the piece to change in appearance. This is not a flaw, but rather a maturation of beauty that is engraved on the piece as a "proof of time spent together."

Beauty in utility and poetic space

This "Konahiki Guinomi" is, of course, designed to be very easy to use as a sake cup for enjoying Japanese sake. It is relatively thin and has a smooth mouthfeel. Although it is small, the body of the cup is slightly rounded, so it fits comfortably in your hand.
It is also versatile enough to be used as a small bowl for delicacies, small appetizers, or seasonal Japanese sweets, and will add a quiet touch of elegance to your everyday life.

When sake is poured into the vessel, the liquid reflects, casting soft, flickering shadows of color on the white.
You can enjoy a leisurely evening drink while watching the subtle changes in color - as you spend time doing this, the dish will gradually accumulate the user's memories.
It feels as if the words of each day are being quietly written down on pure white Japanese paper.

The appeal of plants as a vessel for growing things

One of the essential aspects of Kohiki pottery is its ability to change.
The soft white color when you first start using it is attractive, but as you use it every day, the color will gradually seep into the surface, the oils from your hands will become absorbed, and the vessel itself will gradually begin to breathe.

It is proof that the relationship between the vessel and the user deepens over time, and the piece quietly grows in value as "your own vessel."
Yanagishita Tokiki's "Konahiki Guinomi" is a small white stage for embracing this "poetry of everyday life and time."

Your first piece of artist pottery, and your daily companion

For many people who are drawn to the world of Japanese tableware and tableware made by artists, the first thing they pick up is "Kohiki" tableware. This may be because the inclusiveness of the white color and the soft, familiar texture of Kohiki are immediately appealing to the sensibilities of the user.

The "Konahiki Sake Cup" is a unique piece by Yanagishita Tokiki, which maintains its gentleness and lightness while also having a strong sense of individuality and presence. It is the perfect choice for your first sake cup made by an artist. Or as a daily companion that will make your evening drink a little more special. This vessel will surely bring the quiet beauty of everyday life to the palm of your hand.

Hideki Yanashita Profile
Ceramicist 1967 –
Born in Tokyo, Yanagishita is currently based in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Fascinated by pottery from the Momoyama period, he embarked on the path of 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, Yanagishita has been creating a wide variety of works , including Raku ware, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe, while deeply exploring the world of wabi-sabi from his own unique perspective. An important theme in Yanagishita's creations is the quest for 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 is timeless, and invite the viewer into a deeper world of art.

Base of operations : Iga, Mie Prefecture

A conversation with Toki Yanagishita