Sake cup by Dohachi Takahashi

Width: 6.13cm Height: 4.66cm

This piece, with its soft ivory-colored glaze and subtle geometric pattern symbolizing the snake, has a particularly sophisticated appearance among the zodiac sake cup series. Below, we will introduce its appeal in detail from five perspectives.

Elegant proportions that fit in the palm of your hand

The diameter is large enough to be held comfortably between the thumb and index finger, and the shape is slightly wider than it is tall (koshidakagata). The rim is slightly tapered inward to prevent the sake's aroma from escaping, and the base flows into a gentle trumpet-shaped base, increasing stability when the cup is placed on the ground. The center of gravity is well-balanced when placed in the palm of your hand, and the design makes it easy to turn with one hand.

Ivory "Silence" and Crazing Growth

The glaze that covers the entire piece is a translucent feldspar glaze that contains traces of iron, and the slight crazing that occurs during firing takes on a pale silver-gray hue depending on the angle of the light. Over time, the components of sake or shochu will seep into the crazing, changing the color to a soft amber, offering the hidden pleasure of a "growing vessel."

The suppleness of the "snake" expressed through geometry

The band-like relief design around the upper body is an abstract design combining squares and curves. Upon closer inspection, the gently connected curved edges along the horizontal line suggest a coiled snake, a minimalist expression of the symbolism of the Year of the Snake. Since ancient times, snakes have been considered symbols of "rebirth," "fertility," and "fortune," and are considered to be auspicious symbols suitable for New Year's celebratory drinks or milestone evening drinks.

The harmony of the relief carving and underglaze color

The "relief" technique is used, in which the body is lightly carved while it is still semi-dry before bisque firing, while leaving the edges of the pattern raised. By applying a transparent glaze on top, the ridges blend softly, and only a very shallow step is felt by the fingers when touching. Because the pattern is sunk under the glaze, it is resistant to wear and tear, and the design is less likely to be damaged even with long-term use.

History - The origins and joy of the Zodiac Cup

Sake vessels based on the zodiac animals have a long history, appearing in records of banquets from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and have been used for New Year's celebrations and seasonal festivals. Whether you have a set of twelve zodiac vessels to use each month, or just the zodiac sign of the year, they are both collectible and storytelling pieces. Takahashi Michihachi, based on the prestigious tradition of Kyoto ware overglaze ware, has developed a zodiac series with modern designs and neutral colors that complement contemporary tableware. This piece is a tranquil sublimation of the "Year of the Snake" theme.

The Takahashi Dohachi family has been known as a prestigious Kyoto ware colored ware family since the late Edo period. The ninth generation master graduated from Kyoto Bunkyo Junior College, majoring in fashion design, and then went on to study molding and research at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical College, and further solidified his technical foundation at the Kyoto Industrial Research Institute.

In 1996, he began to study pottery under his father, Dohachi Yashiro, and began making pottery in earnest.

In 2012, he took on the name of the 9th Takahashi Dohachi

His style, which combines the sense of form cultivated through clothing design with the traditional techniques of Kyoto ware, breathes new life into the Dohachika style and displays a refinement that stands out in modern tea ceremony and gallery spaces.

This guinomi cup, with its gentle geometric pattern floating on the ivory-colored glaze, is a masterpiece that combines visual lightness with a soft texture that remains on your fingertips. When cold sake is poured into it, the pale blue liquid stands out against the cream color of the glaze, and when hot sake is poured into it, the glaze surface, coated with steam, becomes even more lustrous. It will enhance not only your daily evening drink, but also special occasions such as New Year's Day and the celebration of the Year of the Snake. We hope you will enjoy this cup for many years to come, and savor the scenery of the crazing that deepens with the seasons, as well as the refined design by Takahashi Michihachi.