Powdered sake cup by Yanashita Hideki

Width 8.1cm Height 5.0cm

The "Konahiki Guinomi" by Yanashita Hideki is a small sake cup that stands out for its cute yet elegant appearance and soft white texture. Its light form fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, its smooth texture on the mouth, and the gentle atmosphere that permeates the entire vessel—all of these make it a piece that brings quiet joy to your daily life.

Pale, soft, and translucent white

The white on this sake cup is not a single color, but rather a mixture of multiple shades of white. The charm of this vessel lies in the subtle interplay of these colors, rather than a single color.

Its soft expression has a certain lustrous quality that makes you want to call it "sexy," and although it is simple, it has a mysterious appeal 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 pottery techniques, offering a particularly warm feeling. By applying white clay over the clay base, then applying a transparent glaze and firing it, a soft white surface is created. The texture of the clay, which is faintly visible beneath the glaze, gives the piece depth and breathability, and Yanagishita's hands have beautifully maintained this delicate balance. Kohiki is beloved by many for its gentle texture, but it also has the characteristic that with use, the colors of sake and ingredients soak into the crazing, changing its appearance. This is not a flaw, but rather a sign of the maturity of beauty that is engraved into the piece as a "proof of the time spent together."

Beauty of utility and poetic space

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

When sake is poured into the vessel, the liquid reflects, casting soft, flickering shadows of color on the white surface.
Enjoy a leisurely evening drink while watching the subtle changes in color - over time, the vessel 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 using it as a container for growing things

One of the essences of Kohiki pottery is that it "changes over time."
The soft white color is attractive when you first start using it, but as you use it every day, the color will gradually soak into the surface, the oils from your hands will become absorbed, and the vessel itself will gradually begin to breathe.

This is proof that the relationship between the vessel and the user deepens over time, and it is the irreplaceable quality of the vessel as it quietly grows into "your own vessel."
Yanagishita Toki's "Konhiki Sake Cup" is a small white stage for embracing this "poetry of everyday life and time."

As your first artist's piece and as 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 "Konahiki" tableware. This may be because the inclusiveness of the white color and the soft, familiar texture of Koonahiki are intimately connected to the sensibilities of the user.

The Kohiki Sake Cup is a unique piece that can only be found at Yanagishita Tokiki, maintaining its gentleness and lightness while also possessing a distinct individuality and presence. Perfect as your first sake cup from 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 into the palm of your hand.

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

A conversation with Toki Yanagishita