vintage japanese sake cups, by Yasushi Fujihira

Width 7.5cm x 7.5cm Height 5.5cm

The sake cups by Yasushi Fujihira breathe the spirit of the ancient capital of Kyoto. When you touch these pieces, you can feel the special presence that combines the depth of tradition with the passion of the maker. More than just a vessel for drinking, they shine as works of art, bringing special moments to our daily lives.

A beautiful harmony of art and practicality in red

The sake cups are appealing for their simple yet refined form. While their seemingly modest form at first glance, they are packed with attention to detail and the pinnacle of craftsmanship. The deep color of the glaze exudes the warmth and elegance that can only be achieved through handwork, and they reveal a rich range of expressions depending on the angle and amount of light. When you pick up a sake cup, you feel the warmth of the natural material in your palm, creating a mysterious sense of intimacy between you and the cup user. This is an experience unique to the works of Fujihira Yasushi, where traditions passed down over many years intersect with modern sensibilities.

A special moment that sharpens your senses

The moment you pour sake into a sake cup and bring it to your mouth, you experience a special sensation, where the aroma, touch, and taste all come together. Cold sake takes on the temperature of the sake cup, making it smoother and more flavorful on the palate. Pour hot tea into it, and the thick ceramic surface retains the warmth, allowing you to enjoy it slowly. Running your finger over the surface of the sake cup conveys the long process of kneading the clay, shaping it, and firing it in the fire. You can feel the artist's breathing and their passion for the art of pottery. Holding a sake cup in your hand, you are momentarily released from your everyday life and transported to a world of tranquility.

The more you use it, the deeper the flavor becomes.

The more a ceramic sake cup is used, the more it fits comfortably in the hand, and over time it develops a richer and more refined character. This means that the cup weaves history with its user, and marks the passage of time together. The true joy of ceramics is that as the years pass, its expression and texture change, and you grow to love it even more. This sake cup placed on the dining table transforms everyday meals and drinking moments into something special. It goes beyond being a simple vessel, bringing richness and spiritual richness to people's lives. Through Fujihira Yasushi's sake cups, we can experience the essential beauty of ceramics.

A fusion of silence and warmth

Nei Fujihira's work combines the natural warmth of the clay with the refined serenity born from the artisan's hands. This sake cup is a special vessel whose beauty and warmth can be felt through all five senses. Every time you use it, you can experience the culture rooted in Kyoto and the depth of the craftsmanship that was born there. The time you spend with this cup will enrich your daily life and bring new emotions to your heart.

≪Nei Fujihira Ceramics History≫
1963 Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Father: Shin Fujihira
1988 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Vocational Training School. Selected for the Nitten Exhibition (2 times thereafter).
1989 Akane Award at Kyoto Exhibition (1990 Mayor's Award) Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
1990 Selected for the Contemporary Asahi Craft Exhibition (four times since)
1991 Ceramics Biennale Encouragement Award, All Kansai Art Exhibition Honorable Mention ('92 same award)
1992 Selected for the Kyoto Craft Biennale Selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition
1993 All Kansai Art Exhibition, Kansai Award, 2nd Place
2008 Submitted to the Paramita Ceramic Art Grand Prize Exhibition

A conversation with Mr. Yasushi Fujihira