Echizen lacquerware

Where the warmth of Echizen ware clay and the luster of Echizen lacquerware intersect.
The moment it touches your lips, your usual sake transforms into "the finest sake" in this ceramic-bodied lacquerware.

Gently cradling it in both hands, you feel the reassuring weight of the clay along with the moist warmth unique to lacquer. This is the "Tobai-shikki" (ceramic-bodied lacquerware) Haneki Guinomi (sake cup with a flared rim), where Echizen ware and Echizen lacquerware, two traditional crafts that Fukui Prefecture boasts, are splendidly fused.
The "ultra-thin" form, challenging the limits of craftsmanship, not only contributes to the beauty of the vessel but also maximizes the potential of sake. Pour cold sake into the deep scenery created by the two color variations, and the water surface quietly reflects the light, transforming your usual evening drink into a special experience, as if you were at the counter of a high-end Japanese restaurant.

The ultimate mouthfeel delivered by the "ultra-thin Haneki" (flared rim) that conforms to your lips.

The "Haneki" shape, where the rim of the vessel gently flares outwards, and the surprisingly thin finish of the drinking edge are the greatest charms of this guinomi. There is absolutely no snagging the moment it touches your lips, and the sake flows smoothly onto your tongue. The aroma wafts through your nasal passages, allowing you to experience the fruity notes of Daiginjo or the rich umami of Junmai-shu with exceptional vividness. The exquisite capacity of 110ml is perfectly sized for leisurely enjoying your sake.

Echizen ware x Echizen lacquerware. A luxurious texture where two histories are savored at your fingertips.

"Tobai-shikki" is completed by using the robust ceramic clay of Echizen ware, counted among Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, as the base, and then having Echizen lacquerware artisans apply multiple layers of lacquer. The natural profoundness of the clay and the smooth, clinging texture of the lacquer coexist, creating an exceptionally luxurious finish. As you use it for a long time, the color and luster of the lacquer will deepen further, revealing its character as "a vessel that grows with you."

A balance of practicality and aesthetics that blends into daily life.

Despite being a traditional craft, its ease of use on the daily dining table has also been meticulously calculated. The sharp form of the flared rim not only makes it easy to drink from but also allows for good stacking when stored. It sits beautifully in the cupboard, taking up minimal space. Due to the nature of lacquerware, dishwasher use is not recommended, but it's easy to clean and dries quickly, so a quick hand wash with a soft sponge is sufficient. Even the effort of daily maintenance transforms into a rich time of cherishing the vessel.

Not just a sake vessel, but a "small frame" to adorn your dishes.

Beyond pouring sake, we also recommend using it as a small bowl for serving appetizers. For example, simply plating a small amount of salted squid guts (ika no shiokara), marinated salmon roe (ikura no shoyuzuke), or seasonal shira-ae (vegetables in tofu dressing) will allow the luster of the lacquer to vividly highlight the colors of the ingredients, creating a dish akin to a work of art. Even your usual side dishes are transformed into exceptional appetizers when served in this vessel.

This is truly a lifelong vessel that sharpens your senses with every touch, amplifying the flavor of your usual sake and dishes many times over. While possessing an overwhelming presence woven from Echizen clay and lacquer, it also doesn't forget daily considerations like ease of storage and maintenance, making it a masterpiece that combines practicality and artistry.

Recommended for:

• Those who want to fully savor the aroma and mouthfeel of their favorite sake.
• Those attracted to unique and unusual textured vessels that fuse the robustness of clay with the warmth of lacquer.
• Those who enjoy carefully nurturing their vessel with hand washing and appreciate the changing color and luster over time.
• Those looking for practical and refined sake vessels that stack beautifully in the cupboard.