Sake Cup (Guinomi) 2 Set - Chawan (2) - Porcelain

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Description:
(Kin-Sai Fish Motif Sake Cup by Kōichi Takita with Original Tomobako and Leaflet)

Item: Sake Cup

Motif: Gold-Decorated Fish Design

Artist: Kōichi Takita

Accessories: Original signed wooden tomobako and leaflet

Condition: Excellent, with no chips or cracks.

Who is Kōichi Takita? (滝田項一とは？)
Kōichi Takita (b. 1938) is a highly respected contemporary ceramic artist, celebrated for his masterful application of gold decoration (kin-sai, 金彩) and refined traditional forms. Trained in both classical Japanese ceramic aesthetics and modern approaches, Takita developed a unique style that harmonizes luminous gold ornamentation with functional vessel shapes. His works frequently depict natural motifs such as fish, waves, and flora, each rendered with a delicate yet commanding presence. He has been featured in numerous ceramic art exhibitions in Japan, and his sake vessels in particular are prized for their blend of artistry and usability, making them ideal both for collectors and for practitioners of Japanese hospitality.

What is a Sake Cup (Shuhai)?
A sake cup, or shuhai, is a small vessel designed specifically for enjoying Japanese rice wine. Unlike the larger chawan used for tea, shuhai are intimate in scale, meant to fit comfortably in the hand and enhance the sensory experience of drinking. Their form and decoration often reflect seasonal or auspicious motifs, embodying the Japanese philosophy that even everyday vessels can elevate life’s rituals. Collectors highly value shuhai not only as functional drinkware but also as objects of aesthetic contemplation. Over the centuries, artisans have treated sake cups as a canvas for showcasing glazing techniques, brushwork, and symbolic designs.

What is Kin-Sai (金彩)?
Kin-sai refers to the decorative technique of applying gold pigment or gold leaf to ceramics, often over a contrasting glaze. Originating in traditional Kutani ware and refined across various schools of Japanese pottery, kin-sai decoration brings a radiant and luxurious quality to ceramic surfaces. In Takita’s work, gold decoration is not merely ornamental but also symbolic—fish motifs, for example, suggest vitality, abundance, and good fortune.

Expert’s Insight:
This sake cup by Kōichi Takita exemplifies the fusion of traditional Japanese symbolism with refined craftsmanship. The lustrous red band encircling the vessel serves as the perfect backdrop for the elegant gold-painted fish, a motif associated with prosperity and the flow of life. The vessel’s rounded form is both pleasing to the eye and comfortable in the hand, reflecting Takita’s sensitivity to the dual role of ceramics as art and utility. The inclusion of the original tomobako and leaflet enhances its provenance, making it not only a functional sake cup but also a collectible work of contemporary Japanese ceramic art. Pieces like this one remind us that even the smallest vessels can embody profound cultural meaning and artistic mastery.


Description:
(Kyō-ware Sake Cup (Guinomi) with Iron-Painted “Turtle in Play” Motif By Yasuto Shimizu,)

This is a highly refined Kyō-ware (Kyō-yaki) guinomi sake cup created by Yasuto Shimizu, a Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association, featuring an elegant iron-painted “Turtle in Play” (Tetsue Kiyū-mon) motif.

The piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box) and original artist’s leaflet, a combination that firmly supports its authenticity, provenance, and institutional-level credibility.

The form is compact yet sculpturally assured, while the iron-painting displays confident brushwork and controlled spontaneity—hallmarks of contemporary Kyoto ceramic mastery grounded in classical tradition.

Estimated production period:
Late Shōwa period to early Heisei period (circa 1970s–1990s)

What is Kyō-ware (Kyō-yaki)?
Kyō-ware refers to ceramics produced in Kyoto, Japan’s historic cultural capital.

Key characteristics include:

Strong ties to court culture, tea ceremony, and classical aesthetics

Emphasis on painterly decoration and intellectual symbolism

Continuous production from the Momoyama period to the present

Frequent inclusion in museum collections and academic studies

Kyō-ware is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most conceptually refined ceramic traditions, valued as much for cultural meaning as for craftsmanship.

What Does “Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association” Mean?
The Japan Kōgei Association (Nihon Kōgeikai) is Japan’s most prestigious organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of traditional crafts.

Full membership signifies:

Recognition through strict peer evaluation

Regular exhibition history at the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition

Alignment with museum-level standards of craftsmanship

Active role in sustaining Japan’s intangible cultural heritage

Artists holding this status are routinely collected by national museums and major institutions.

Who Is Yasuto Shimizu (清水保考)?
Yasuto Shimizu is a Kyoto-based ceramic artist recognized for his disciplined yet expressive iron-painted works.

His artistic profile includes:

Formal training in Kyō-ware traditions

Acceptance and exhibition in national-level juried exhibitions

Works collected and referenced by museums and public institutions

A refined balance between classical motifs and contemporary sensibility

Shimizu’s ceramics are admired for their intellectual restraint, technical precision, and quiet narrative power.

What Is “Iron-Painted Turtle in Play” (鉄絵亀遊文)?
Tetsue (iron painting) is a traditional decorative technique using iron-rich pigment applied under glaze.

The turtle motif signifies:

Longevity, wisdom, and auspicious fortune

Deep roots in East Asian symbolism

Frequent appearance in tea ceramics intended for contemplative use

In this work, the turtle is rendered with playful vitality, transforming a symbolic motif into a living pictorial moment—an approach highly valued in tea culture.

What Is a Guinomi?
A guinomi is a small sake cup traditionally used in refined settings.

Characteristics:

Slightly larger and more expressive than a sakazuki

Favored by connoisseurs for its tactile presence

Often considered a microcosm of the artist’s philosophy

Such vessels are commonly collected individually and appreciated as standalone sculptural objects.

Expert’s Insight:
This guinomi exemplifies the highest standards of contemporary Kyō-ware within the framework of Japan’s traditional craft movement. The iron-painted turtle motif, executed with scholarly restraint and confident brushwork, aligns closely with works held in museum collections of modern Japanese ceramics. The presence of the original tomobako and artist’s leaflet further elevates this piece to a level suitable for institutional or advanced private collections.

Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.

Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.