Japanese soul　Ash-glazed sake cup by Yuichi Ikai

Width: 7.6cm Height: 5.3cm

Smooth surface and expressive blue

Yuichi Ikai's "Ash Glazed Sake Cup" has an impressive smooth surface that you feel the moment you hold it in your hand. In particular, the blue glaze on the cup is the color of a clear blue sky, and it exudes a beauty that cleanses the soul just by looking at it. This is a sake cup that makes you want to slowly sip sake while gazing at this beautiful blue.

Elegant design and versatility

This sake cup stands out for its small size, yet bold design . Its design, which combines delicacy and strength, reflects Ikai's unique sensibility. It is also versatile enough to be used as a vase for a single flower, and goes beyond its role as a simple sake cup to be enjoyed as a work of art in everyday life. Its shape fits comfortably in the hand, making it a vessel that can be used not only to enjoy sake, but also to caress and admire its beauty.

Elegant pottery that evokes Japanese history and culture

This piece evokes the ancient history of Kyoto, Japan, and is truly a symbol of elegant pottery . It beautifully combines traditional Kyoto techniques with Yuichi Ikai's unique aesthetic sense, and is sure to be appealing to foreign visitors as well.

The History and Culture of Sake Cups

The term "sake cup" is deeply rooted in Japan's ancient history , appearing in the Engishiki, a book written in the mid-Heian period. During the Nara and Heian periods, sake cups were called "sakatsuki" and unglazed earthenware known as sueki was used at the time. Later, in the Muromachi period, with the development of lacquerware, plates, bowls, sake cups, etc. began to be clearly distinguished according to their purpose.

The tradition and new beauty of ash glaze

Ash glaze is one of the most basic glazes, made using plant ashes, and is a technique that has been used continuously from ancient times to the present day . This piece's unique color and texture, reflecting Kyoto's beautiful nature and culture, evokes the tradition of pottery and the creation of new beauty. The smooth surface and rich decorative effect created by the glaze give the sake cup even more appeal, evoking a presence that will be cherished for a long time. The Ash Glaze Sake Cup is a beautiful piece that harmonizes its smooth surface with a bold shape . By breathing new life into the ancient ash glaze technique, it is beloved both at home and abroad as a symbol of elegant pottery that evokes Kyoto's history and culture.