Sake cup with the Zodiac sign (year of the snake) by Dohachi Takahashi

Width: 6.13cm Height: 4.66cm

Sake cup with Chinese zodiac snake motif - Takahashi Michihachi, 9th

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

1. Beauty of form - Beautiful 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. The rim is slightly tapered inward to prevent the aroma of the sake from escaping, and the base is gently horn-shaped, increasing the stability when the cup is placed on it. The center of gravity is well-balanced when placed in the palm of your hand, and the design makes it easy to turn naturally with one hand.

2. Glaze Tone - The Stillness of Ivory and the Development of Crazing

The glaze that covers the entire piece is a translucent feldspar glaze that contains a very small amount 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 ingredients of sake or shochu will seep into the crazing, changing the color of the piece to a gentle amber, offering the hidden pleasure of a "growing vessel."

3. Design - The gracefulness of the "snake" expressed through geometry

The band-like relief design around the upper part of the body is an abstract design combining squares and curves. If you look closely, you will see that the curved sides that gently connect 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 symbols of "rebirth," "abundance," and "fortune," and are auspicious, suitable for New Year's celebratory sake or milestone evening drinks.

4. Technique: Harmony between relief sculpture 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 at the same time leaving the edges of the pattern raised. By applying a transparent glaze on top, the ridges blend in softly, and only a very shallow step is felt by the fingers that touch it. The pattern is sunk under the glaze, so it is resistant to wear and tear, and the design is unlikely to be damaged even with long-term use.

5. Historical and cultural background: the origins and joy of the Zodiac cups

Sake vessels associated with the zodiac animals have a long history, and can be seen in the banquet records of the Muromachi period. They have been used for New Year's celebrations and seasonal festivals. They are collectible and have a story-telling quality, with vessels of each of the 12 animals being used in turn each month, or only vessels of the zodiac animal of the year being used. Takahashi Michihachi has developed a zodiac series with modern shapes and neutral colors that look good on modern tableware, while keeping in mind the traditions of a prestigious Kyoto ware color painting company. This piece is a tranquil sublimation of the theme of the "Year of the Snake."

The Takahashi Dohachi family has been known as a prestigious Kyoto ware color painting family since the late Edo period. The ninth generation master graduated from the Department of Clothing Design at Kyoto Bunkyo Junior College, majored in design, and then went on to the Department of Molding and Research at 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 ninth Takahashi Dohachi.

His style, which combines the sense of form cultivated in clothing design with the traditional techniques of Kyoto ware, has breathed new life into the Dohachi family of pottery and displays a sophistication that stands out in modern tea ceremonies and gallery spaces.

This sake cup features a gentle geometric pattern on an ivory-colored glaze, making it 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 steam-covered glaze surface becomes moist and lustrous. It will enrich not only your daily evening drink, but also your special occasions such as New Year's Day and the celebration of the Snake Year. Please enjoy this sake for many years to come, and enjoy the scenery of the crazing that deepens with the seasons and the refined design by Takahashi Michihachi.